Fluoride and Childhood IQ: Government Documents Reveal Controversial Findings

In recent years, the debate surrounding fluoride in drinking water has escalated, driven by emerging scientific studies linking fluoride exposure to developmental issues, particularly in children. The release of previously censored U.S. government documents has shed new light on the potential dangers fluoride may pose to childhood IQ, igniting further controversy over its use in public water supplies.

The NTP's Groundbreaking Review

The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) has been at the forefront of investigating fluoride's impact on neurodevelopment. In May 2022, the NTP confirmed earlier findings that both prenatal and early-life exposure to fluoride can negatively affect a child's IQ. This report supports previous drafts from 2019 and 2020, all of which found a consistent association between higher levels of fluoride exposure and reduced intelligence in children. Despite these alarming conclusions, the U.S. government had delayed the release of these findings for several years.

The NTP review, forced into the public domain as part of an ongoing lawsuit between the Fluoride Action Network (FAN) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concluded that “higher fluoride exposure is consistently associated with lower IQ in children.” However, the review also noted that further research is needed to determine the effects of lower fluoride exposures.

The Lawsuit and Government Interference

The release of these documents came after years of legal battles under the Toxic Substances Control Act, spearheaded by FAN. Their goal is to establish fluoride as a neurotoxin, which could lead to tighter regulations or even a ban. During the lawsuit, it was revealed that officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had actively worked to block the release of the NTP’s May 2022 findings, despite the NTP scientists asserting the report was ready for publication.

In emails released as part of the lawsuit, NTP Director Dr. Mary Wolfe indicated the report was finalized and due for release in May 2022. However, senior officials at the CDC and HHS raised concerns, pushing for additional reviews. This led to a series of delays, with internal emails revealing a concerted effort to suppress the report's publication.

The Impact on Public Health Policy

This controversy has reignited the debate over the safety of water fluoridation, a practice that has been standard in the U.S. since the mid-20th century to prevent tooth decay. Currently, about 70% of the U.S. population receives fluoridated water, yet most of Western Europe has rejected the practice due to safety concerns. Critics argue that fluoride is not a nutrient and, in high doses, poses risks far beyond its benefits.

According to FAN, there are now over 64 studies linking fluoride exposure to reduced IQ in children, while additional research suggests a broader impact on neurodevelopment, including potential links to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

What's Next?

While the release of the NTP’s findings is a victory for advocates like FAN, the battle is far from over. With internal disagreements and government interference still hindering the publication of the final report, it is unclear when—or if—an official declaration on fluoride’s neurotoxicity will be made. The next court hearing in the ongoing fluoride lawsuit is scheduled for April 2023, and it could mark a turning point in this controversial issue.

As the debate over fluoride continues, one thing remains clear: transparency and further research are critical. The potential impact of fluoride on childhood development cannot be overlooked, and both public officials and citizens must remain informed and vigilant.

References

For further reading on the released documents and fluoride research:

• The Last American Vagabond, “US Government Releases Censored Documents Detailing Fluoride’s Impact on Childhood IQ,” March 16, 2023. Full article here
• Fluoride Action Network, “Studies Linking Fluoride to Reduced IQ,” July 18, 2022. Research studies
• National Toxicology Program, “Fluoride Monograph Drafts,” May 2022. NTP Documents

These sources provide an in-depth look at the ongoing fluoride controversy and the efforts to bring transparency to the issue.