U.S. President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services has said Trump will call for an end to adding fluoride to public water supplies. Recent developments surrounding the issue include new studies reporting on the potential risks and benefits of fluoride exposure.
Benefits of Water Fluoridation
- Prevention of Tooth Decay: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay and acid damage. It also helps reverse early signs of tooth decay by remineralizing teeth.
- Historical Impact: Before community water fluoridation, tooth decay was widespread in the U.S. Following its introduction, rates of tooth decay significantly declined in children and adults, with older adults retaining more of their natural teeth.
Health Risks and Concerns
- Fluoride Exposure and IQ: Recent research, including a study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, found an association between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. This was based on 74 studies, with some showing that urinary fluoride concentrations at levels common in developed countries could be linked to cognitive effects.
- High Fluoride Levels: Excessive fluoride exposure (above 1.5 mg/L) is linked to health issues such as:
- Bone fractures
- Thyroid problems
- Nervous system damage
- Dental and skeletal fluorosis
Regulations
- U.S. Recommendations:
- The U.S. Public Health Service suggests keeping fluoride levels in drinking water below 0.7 mg/L.
- The EPA sets an enforceable limit at 4.0 mg/L, although a federal judge has ordered stricter regulations.
- International Standards:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum fluoride level of 1.5 mg/L.
- In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets a desirable limit of 1.0 mg/L, as fluorosis has been reported at levels as low as 1.5 mg/L.
(Sources: DD News, WHO, etc)
