Fluoride in Drinking Water at Twice the Recommended Level Poses Health Risks, Study Finds

Government Report Expected to Stir Debate

Key Findings

• A U.S. government report concludes that fluoride in drinking water at twice the recommended level can pose health risks.
• The report is based on an analysis of previously published research and marks the first time a federal agency has determined such a link.
• The findings are expected to stir debate about the safety of fluoridated water.

The report, which was released by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), examined the health effects of fluoride exposure in drinking water. The ATSDR found that exposure to fluoride at levels of 4 mg/L or higher can lead to a number of health problems, including:

• Dental fluorosis: This condition causes white spots or streaks on the teeth.
• Skeletal fluorosis: This condition can cause bones to become weak and brittle.
• Kidney damage: Fluoride can accumulate in the kidneys and damage the organ's function.

The ATSDR's findings are consistent with those of other studies that have linked fluoride exposure to health problems. A 2015 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that children who were exposed to fluoride at levels of 4 mg/L or higher had an increased risk of developing dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and other health problems.

The ATSDR's report is expected to stir debate about the safety of fluoridated water. Fluoride has been added to public water supplies in the United States since the 1940s to help prevent tooth decay. However, some studies have raised concerns about the safety of fluoride, especially at high levels.

The ATSDR's report is the latest in a growing body of evidence that suggests that fluoride can pose health risks at levels that are currently considered safe. The findings of the report are expected to add fuel to the debate about the safety of fluoridated water.