DRAFT NTP Monograph on the State of the Science Concerning Fluoride
Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Health Effects:
A Systematic Review NTP Monograph 08 September 2022
This systematic review evaluated the current state of evidence linking fluoride exposure to neurodevelopmental and cognitive effects in humans. The review included studies on both experimental animal and human subjects, as well as mechanistic evidence. The review found that the current bodies of evidence from experimental animal studies and human mechanistic evidence do not provide clarity on the association between fluoride exposure and cognitive or neurodevelopmental human health effects.
However, in children, the review found a large body of evidence on IQ effects associated with fluoride exposure, with higher fluoride exposure consistently associated with lower IQ in children. The review identified 19 high-quality studies that reported an association between higher fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children, including three prospective cohort studies and 15 cross-sectional studies, conducted in five different countries. The review suggests that more studies are needed to fully understand the potential for lower fluoride exposure to affect children’s IQ.
"Preliminary comments on the draft NTP monograph prepared by the peer review are noted below. These preliminary comments are not binding and should not be construed to represent NTP determination or policy."