Meta studies
At this time, the current evidence does not allow us to state that fluoride is associated with neurological damage.
Scientific Reports - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between fluoride exposure and neurological disorders
For reductions in children’s IQ, the authors acknowledge a biological mechanism of action has not been elucidated, and the dose response curve is not clear at lower concentrations
Human, animal, and in vitro studies. Extensive literature search of multiple bibliographic databases, trial registries, major grey literature sources and bibliographies of identified studies. The authors aimed to identify studies which could be used ...
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends community water fluoridation based on strong evidence of effectiveness in reducing tooth decay.
PDF of Preventing Dental Caries: Community Water Fluoridation (2000 Archived Review)
Collective evidence from the recent CADTH reports and the current review indicates there is insufficient evidence to conclusively conclude that fluoride exposure at the Canadian water fluoride levels (optimum at 0.7 mg/L) affects neurological development in children and adolescents in Canada.
Scientists
American Dental Association responds to federal court ruling against EPA.
Browse facts, clinical guidelines and FAQ's regarding fluoride in water and read about the ADA's advocacy for the fluoridation of water in public water supplies.
Journalism
Fluoride is added to water to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities, but communities are abandoning the practice because of health concerns.
A report released in August by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams per liter was "consistently associated with lower IQ in children."
But the report, which evaluated studies conducted in Canada, China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico, noted that the fluoride levels found to cause such risks were more than twice as high as the amount U.S. officials recommend be added to public water systems. Fluoride levels that high are mostly found in other countries and a tiny minority of U.S. communities.
The report also did not specify how much IQ levels dipped or whether adults could also be affected.
The NTP defines “high levels” as 1.5 milligrams per liter of water or higher. This is more than twice the fluoride concentration typically found in U.S. tap water: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that U.S. community water systems contain about 0.7 milligrams per liter.
According to the NTP report, about 0.6% of the U.S. population — approximately 1.9 million people — are on water systems with naturally occurring fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher. It’s important enough that I’ll repeat it: These high levels are naturally occurring and not the result of artificial water fluoridation programs. So let’s make this crystal clear: This study does not provide evidence against current community water fluoridation practices.
“Let’s make this crystal clear: This study does not provide evidence against current community water fluoridation practices,” writes public health scientist Jess Steier.
Politics
With election season quickly approaching, for certain communities the future of fluoride in water is unclear.
Calgary's never-ending fluoridation debate played out again at city hall on Tuesday, but if you're reading this waiting for a resolution on the issue, you can stop now — there wasn't one.
Government Statements
CDC's position on community water fluoridation.
A fact sheet that reviews research about the possibility of a connection between fluoridated water and cancer.