By Megan Avakian and Julie Leibach
Prenatal fluoride exposure may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems among U.S. children, according to NIEHS-funded researchers. This is the first U.S.-based study to examine the relationship between fluoride exposure during pregnancy and neurobehavioral outcomes in childhood.
Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. population receives drinking water containing fluoride at levels of approximately 0.7 milligrams per liter. This is thought to be the optimal level for preventing tooth decay while minimizing adverse health effects for fluoride exposure. However, recent research suggests that exposure at this level may harm neurodevelopment.