Summary
A new study published in Science Advances found that exposure to recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water does not negatively affect cognitive abilities and may have slight positive effects. This finding contradicts President Trump's administration's stance, which referenced studies suggesting fluoride harms child IQ. Some states have already moved to ban fluoride in water, but the study suggests there's no negative cognitive impact at recommended fluoride levels.
Key Facts
- A study says recommended fluoride levels in water do not harm cognitive health.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports removing fluoride due to concerns about child IQ.
- President Trump's administration previously cited studies linking fluoride to reduced IQ.
- Some states, like Florida and Utah, have banned adding fluoride to public water.
- The study used data on U.S. children and found possible slight cognitive benefits from fluoride.
- Many earlier studies looked at higher-than-recommended fluoride levels and were done outside the U.S.
- Fluoride has been added to water for decades to strengthen teeth.
