US Fluoridation: A Long-Standing Practice
Flouride exposure has recently been linked to pregnancy neurobehavioral issues. 1945 saw the introduction of community water systems in the United States which were flushed with fluoride to control tooth decay. As it is, 73 percent of people in the U.S drink fluoridated water at levels set at 0.7 milligrams per liter.
New Study Raises Concerns
A recent research published by JAMA Network Open however suggests that prenatal exposure to fluoride at these levels may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems in children. On top of this, they found out that an increase of 0.68 mg/Liter in fluoride exposure during pregnancy was associated with almost double the odds ratio for a child showing neurobehavioral issues aged three years.
Fluoride and Neurodevelopment
Additionally, fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral present in water, soil and some foods. While it can help restore weakened tooth enamel and prevent cavities, there is evidence that high amounts consumed by pregnant women cross over into placenta thereby causing damage to neurodevelopment. Some animal studies have shown that excessive levels of impurities caused such changes as oxidative stress and disruption of neurotransmitter function.
Findings from International Studies
Previously conducted studies done in Mexico and Canada also indicate that even lower doses of fluoride (like those available in America) could be associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Another thing to note about these studies was a link between higher prenatal fluoric exposure and reduced IQ scores, more ADHD symptoms or lesser cognitive abilities.
U.S.-Based Research
To fill this gap, this study investigated 229 mother-child pairs from the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social Stressors (MADRES) cohort; majority were Hispanic women belonging to low socio-economic categories residing within urban Los Angeles California. Urine samples were collected from mothers during their third trimester and the child’s neurobehavioral status was assessed at age three using the Preschool Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
Key Findings
Approximately 76% of mothers had a urine fluoride content less than or equal to the median concentration of 0.76 mg/liter. This means that there is an almost double chance of having a child with borderline clinical or clinical scores for total neurobehavioral problems due to an increment in fluoride levels measured through maternal urine by 0.68 mg/Liter. Internalizing problems, emotionally reactive behaviors and somatic complaints showed some significant increments as well.
Implications and Future Research
According to Ashley Malin, study lead investigator who is also an assistant professor at the University of Florida said, “There is no known benefit of fluoride consumption to the developing fetus, but we do know that there is possibly a risk to their developing brain.” They concluded that more investigations should be conducted in order to verify these results as well as determine how serious they are.
Variations in Fluoride Exposure
Disparity between kind of diet especially drinking or cooking tap water as well as using natural sources rich in fluoride can explain why people experience different degrees of exposure. No formal guidelines exist on safe limits while expecting.
Conclusion
The article, Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months, highlights the need for further investigation into prenatal exposure’s impacts on children caused by fluoride. If there was going to be a countrywide US research done about this issue it should serve two purposes; firstly confirming these findings and secondly addressing real concerns associated with prenatal intake of fluorides.
