Fluoride in Drinking Water Linked to Reduced IQ in Children, 23 States Affected
Excess fluoride in drinking water is emerging as a serious public health concern in India, particularly affecting children's cognitive development and intelligence levels. A recent study conducted across 10 countries, including India, China, Canada, Denmark, and Germany, found that fluoride exposure significantly lowers IQ levels in children.
The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Public Health, suggests a strong correlation between high fluoride levels and lower IQ scores among children. It indicates that prolonged exposure to fluoride through drinking water can lead to neurological damage and cognitive impairment.
Alarming Statistics: 23 States Affected
According to a 2022 report by NITI Aayog, groundwater contamination with fluoride has been detected in 23 states and over 370 districts. Among them, Uttar Pradesh (36 districts) and Madhya Pradesh (44 districts) have reported widespread fluoride contamination.
Other affected states include:
• Telangana (10 districts), Assam (17), Bihar (13), Rajasthan (22), Delhi (7), Gujarat (24), Haryana (21), Himachal Pradesh (11), Jammu & Kashmir (7) and several others.
• Jharkhand recorded the highest fluoride concentration, exceeding 2.37 mg/L, far above the permissible limit.
The report also highlights that rural areas have 1.85 times higher fluoride concentration in water compared to urban areas, putting rural children at a greater risk.
Fluoride’s Dual Impact: Benefits and Risks
Fluoride is commonly used in dental products to prevent tooth decay, but excessive intake can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, affecting bones and teeth. Dr. Jameel Kumar from the Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences explains that while fluoride prevents tooth erosion, excessive levels weaken bones and may cause neurological damage in children.
Additionally, fluoride exposure has been linked to:
• Memory loss
• Delayed cognitive functions
• Weakening of bones and teeth
