American scientists have found that elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water during pregnancy may negatively affect children's cognitive abilities. According to a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, prenatal exposure to fluoridated water is associated with lower IQ scores and impaired spatial memory in preschoolers, reports infohub.kz.
The researchers assessed the impact of fluoridated drinking water on the development of children's nervous systems when exposed in the womb. The study analyzed data from mother-child pairs, tracking fluoride levels in women's urine during pregnancy, as well as the mental development of children aged three to six.
Results showed that increased fluoride concentration in the mother's body was associated with lower overall intelligence quotient (IQ) and poorer visual-spatial memory in preschoolers. The lead author noted that the effect was observed even at fluoride levels considered safe under current public health standards.
The authors emphasize the need to revise fluoride standards in drinking water and develop additional recommendations for pregnant women to minimize potential risks to the developing brain of the unborn child.