Could Fluoride in Water Be Harmful?

Fluoride in water has been a hot topic lately, especially with the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who thinks we should remove it from our water. In the US, most cities decide on their own fluoride doses, usually around 0. 7 milligrams per liter. About 63% of Americans drink fluoridated water, and some even have naturally higher fluoride levels in their water. Researchers are now questioning if fluoride still protects teeth as much as it used to, given how common toothpaste and dental care are today. There's also a debate about whether the fluoride levels we consume might be harmful to developing brains. Studying fluoride's effects comes with challenges, as no double-blind study has ever proven its risks or benefits. All current studies are observational, like ones linking high fluoride levels to lower childhood IQ. While IQ tests can be imperfect, they're a reliable tool for this type of research. “IQ tests might seem biased, but they're the best tool we have, ” explains Bruce Lanphear, a health science professor. “They work consistently and aren't based on parents' reports like some other tests. ” Despite the lack of definitive studies, the University of North Carolina is currently performing the first trial to understand the benefits of water fluoridation. This highlights the need for more research to make informed decisions about our water.