Using drawing tests to measure intelligence in children from areas impacted by combined Al-F endemic toxicosis (Shuicheng, Guizhou).

Abstract

Measurements of intelligence via drawing tests have been conducted to examine the intelligence development of children from regions affected by combined AIF endemic toxicosis. A selected number of 196 children between 6.5 and 12 years of age participated in the testing. Across all age groups, the average IQ level of children from the endemic zones was lower than their counterparts in the nonendemic region. With the exception of the < 7-year-old age group, significant differences in intelligence were found across all age groups when comparing the results between the endemic and the nonendemic group. From these results, it can be concluded that excessive consumption of fluorine and aluminum in the early stage of development directly impacts the development of the human brain, which causes the delayed intellectual development seen in children living in the endemic areas.

EXCERPT:

Many studies have shown that fluorosis is a disease that damages various organs within the body. Little research, however, is available on the correlation between high levels of  fluoride and aluminum present in the environment and the development of human intelligence. To further investigate this issue, IQ tests have been conducted on school children living in endemic areas where high exposures to both fluoride and aluminum have been found. The area that we tested was Shuicheng, a city in  Guizhou. The testing period was from July to December of 1989.

_________________________________________________________

Originally published in the Journal of Guiyang Medical College 16(3):204-06. (China) | Translation by the Fluoride Action Network.