Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Objective: Investigate the effect of high fluoride exposure on the level of intelligence in children.

Method: In May 2006, 42 children from a high endemic fluorosis group and 37 children from the control area (who have been consuming low-fluoride water after water improvement schemes) were chosen for the test. They are all from a primary school in Pucheng county, Shaanxi province. Their level of intelligence was tested, and a test for dental fluorosis was conducted using Dean’s method, and the level of fluoride in urine was determined with a fluoride ion selective method.

Results: The average intelligence level of the children in the high fluoride group (96.11 + 12.00) was lower than that of the control group (98.41 + 14.75). We have not found any children with an intelligence level exceeding a level deemed as excellent; as for the intelligence distribution in these groups, there is little statistical significance. There was a negative correlation between the urine fluoride concentration and the level of intelligence in children (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Exposure to high levels of fluoride is likely to cause a certain level of harm.