Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

Objective: Try to find out the effects of high iodine and high fluorine on children’s intelligence and thyroid function.

Methods: We selected in Qingyun County the Lidian Primary School, where the iodine and fluorine in the water are relatively high in concentration as the investigative point and Dading Primary School where the iodine and fluorine in the water have normal concentration as the control point. The high iodine goiter rate, dental fluorosis, IQ and thyroid metabolism indicators of the students aged 8 to 12 from the two schools were examined.

Results: In high iodine and high fluorine areas, the goiter rate and dental fluorosis of 8~12 years children were 29.8% and 72.98%. The children’s average intelligence quotient (IQ) was 76.67±7.75, slightly lower than comparison point, but low intelligent pupil was 16.67%. The urinary iodine and urinary fluoride were (816.25±1.80) ?g/L and (3.08±1.03)mg/L separately, clearly higher than comparison point. The thyroid iodine131 uptake rates were visible lower. The value of 3h and 24h were respectively (9.36±1.55)% and (9.26±4.63)%. The serum TSH level was obviously higher than comparison point.

Conclusions: High iodine and high fluorine have certain influence on children’s intelligence and thyroid function.