New Study Links Water Fluoridation to Increased Autism, ADHD Risks

Recent studies have raised significant concerns about the safety of water fluoridation, linking it to increased risks of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children. A study published in BMC Pediatrics found that children exposed to fluoridated water in their first decade showed a 6.26-fold increase in autism risk, prompting calls for a reevaluation of fluoridation policies. Researchers David and Mark Geier analyzed healthcare records from Florida and highlighted that, while fluoridation may reduce tooth decay, it poses serious risks to brain health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will review fluoride safety standards following these findings and a report from the National Toxicology Program indicating potential harms. Meanwhile, public health advocates in England continue to support fluoridation as an effective public health measure, citing long-standing evidence of its dental benefits despite recent criticisms. The ongoing debate underscores a clash between dental health promotion and emerging concerns over neurodevelopmental risks associated with fluoride exposure.