How Much is Too Much Fluoride in Drinking Water?

A recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report links high levels of fluoride in drinking water to lower IQs in children, intensifying the debate on water fluoridation. The report reviewed international studies and found moderate confidence that high fluoride levels are associated with cognitive impacts.

 

While most U.S. water systems meet safe fluoride standards, about 1.9 million Americans live in areas where fluoride levels exceed recommended thresholds, potentially putting children at risk. Public health experts are now questioning whether current standards should be lowered to safeguard cognitive development, sparking renewed discussions on balancing dental health benefits with safety concerns. Read more from USA Today here.