Fluoride exposure during pregnancy may increase neurobehavioral problems in children
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.
The study included 229 predominately Hispanic pregnant women and their children living in Los Angeles. The researchers measured fluoride exposures in urine samples collected from the mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy. The team quantified the children’s neurobehavioral outcomes at age three using the Preschool Child Behavior Checklist, which relies on reports from parents to assess behavioral and emotional problems in children.
Mothers had a median fluoride exposure of 0.76 milligrams per liter. Children exposed to an additional 0.68 milligrams per liter of fluoride in utero were nearly twice as likely to exhibit behaviors at a level close to or meeting the standard for a clinical diagnosis. For example, children exposed to more fluoride had more anxiety, emotional regulation issues, traits associated with autism spectrum disorder, and physical problems, such as headaches. There was no relationship between fluoride and externalizing behaviors, such as aggression.
According to the authors, study findings suggest that prenatal fluoride exposure at levels common across the U.S. may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems among children. They noted the results may support recommendations for limiting fluoride exposure during the prenatal period. (MA)
Citation: Malin AJ, Eckel SP, Hu H, Martinez-Mier EA, Hernandez-Castro I, Yang T, Farzan SF, Habre R, Breton CV, Bastain TM. 2024. Maternal urinary fluoride and child neurobehavior at age 36 months. JAMA Netw Open 7(5):e2411987.
Original article online at: https://factor.niehs.nih.gov/2024/8/papers/dert