A recent pilot study conducted by Tulane University suggests a potential link between long-term consumption of water with elevated fluoride levels and cognitive impairments in children. Published in the journal Neurotoxicology and Teratology, the study focused on rural communities in Ethiopia, where wells are used for drinking water, containing fluoride levels ranging from 0.4 to 15.5 mg/L—exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended level of below 1.5 mg/L.
The research involved 74 school-aged children, evaluating their cognitive abilities through drawing familiar objects and a standardised computerised memory test. The findings revealed that higher fluoride exposure correlated with increased errors on both tests. Lead author Tewodros Godebo, an assistant professor at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, noted the uncertainty regarding the causal relationship between fluoride exposure and neurotoxicity but emphasised the need for further investigation.
While additional epidemiological studies are required to confirm these findings, they contribute to the mounting concern surrounding fluoride’s potential neurotoxic effects, particularly during crucial stages of brain development in childhood. The study highlights the importance of assessing fluoride’s impact on cognitive function, prompting further research and consideration among public health agencies.
Despite fluoride’s recognised role in dental health, excessive intake has previously been associated with lower IQs in rural communities in China and India. Animal studies have also suggested the ability of fluoride to penetrate the placental and blood-brain barriers, raising concerns about prenatal exposure and its lasting effects on cognitive function.
With an estimated 200 million people worldwide exposed to high fluoride levels in drinking water, the study underscores the urgency of investigating its neurological impacts. The Ethiopian Rift Valley served as an ideal location for this research due to its stable fluoride levels and shared lifestyles among residents, minimising confounding variables.
Moving forward, Godebo aims to replicate these findings on a larger scale, examining children in both high- and low-fluoride communities to better understand fluoride’s potential as a neurotoxicant. Such studies are crucial for informing public policy on water fluoridation and ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies.
The study’s co-authors included researchers from Tulane University, Duke University, the University of Kentucky, and Addis Ababa University. The findings provide a significant contribution to our understanding of fluoride’s cognitive effects and emphasise the need for continued investigation into its potential risks and benefits.
Journal Reference:
Godebo, T. R., et al. (2023). Association between fluoride exposure in drinking water and cognitive deficits in children: A pilot study. Neurotoxicology and Teratology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37690675/