Environmental

Fluoride (high exposure)

Environmental factor.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Child neurodevelopment (IQ)

harms Low-moderate meta-analysis (AAA)

Meta-analysis: HIGH fluoride exposure (especially areas with heavily fluoridated water) was associated with somewhat lower IQ in children. Studies mostly observational and of high exposures; it is unclear that it applies to usual water fluoridation. Controversial topic.

View the study (meta-analysis) →

In depth

Environmental · Highest evidence: Low-moderate · 1 finding

Findings

Child neurodevelopment (IQ) — harms (Low-moderate, meta-analysis). Meta-analysis: HIGH fluoride exposure (especially areas with heavily fluoridated water) was associated with somewhat lower IQ in children. Studies mostly observational and of high exposures; it is unclear that it applies to usual water fluoridation. Controversial topic. 22820538

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Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.