A study suggests fluoride in water affects children, in particular the IQ of boys. A news story on CNN announced the findings of a study released on August 19, 2019 which shows a correlation between fluoride in the drinking water of pregnant women and the IQ of their children when measured at 3 to 4 years old.
“The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics on Monday, found that increased levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy were associated with declines in IQ in children.” – CNN
Other studies have suggested that fluoride is a neurotoxin but this is the first to study levels of fluoride commonly present in water supplies throughout the United States and Canada. That suggests that current levels of fluoride need to be evaluated further as a potentail neurotoxin affecting our children.
Fluoride in drinking water affects boys more than girls
Interestingly the correlation was found to be present in boys but not in girls. Given that boys are more susceptible to neurological disorders this may prove problematic. You may see the CNN news story here: http://www.cnn.com/2019/08/19/health/fluoride-neurotoxin-canada-study/index.html
Those of you who like like to remove fluoride from your water have several options. Two kitchen systems will address fluoride. Sweetwater’s Custom Reverse Osmosis system will definitely remove fluoride. Sweetwater’s Kitchen Defender will reduce or remove fluoride in locations where the water quality is otherwise good. You may see both of those here.
For those of you who wish to remove it entirely see my whole house fluoride filters. Removal of fluoride from water is highly dependent on the flow rate of water as well as the presence of bicarbonates, or the alkalinity of water. You really have to look at your water source and make an informed decision as to whether systems other than reverse osmosis will work for you.
It will be curious to see how USEPA responds to these findings and whether they and all of the cities that add fluoride to water will reconsider this practice.
