Researchers raise concerns about the impact of high fluoride levels in tap water across many U.S. communities.

In short:

• High fluoride levels in water sources like Texas' Ogallala Aquifer may lower children's IQs, with experts calling for more research and regulation.
• Current federal and state regulations do not require notification of possible fluoride-related brain development risks.
• Many U.S. communities, particularly in Texas, have water fluoride concentrations above recommended levels, posing potential health risks.

Key quote:

"If I was speaking to someone from one of these communities, and it’s someone who was pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, or who had a young child, I would certainly want them to have that information." — Anne Nigra, environmental health scientist, Columbia University

Why this matters:

Fluoride is naturally present in water, and for decades, municipalities have added it to public water supplies to prevent tooth decay. However, studies now indicate that excessive exposure to fluoride during critical periods of development could be linked to lower IQ scores in children. This has prompted scientists and health professionals to reevaluate the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation at various levels.