Fluoride: to Learning Disabilities Attention Deficit and Behavior Disorder

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http://www.chem-tox.com/pregnancy/fluoride.htm

 

Fluoride Exposure During Pregnancy

 

Links to Learning Disabilities

Attention Deficit and Behavior Disorders

 

SOURCE: Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 17(2), 1995

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Sodium Fluoride is currently added to the majority of municipal water

systems in the U.S. to prevent cavities in children. Its use has risen

rapidly since the 1950's. Sodium Fluoride is also registered with the

EPA as a rat poison, although advocates say its use in low levels in

water poses no adverse health concerns. There has been considerable

research done on fluoride regarding cancer, birth defects, and risks

to the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems, however,

very little has been done on its neurological effects.

 

First Study to Find Neurological Deficits After Fluoride Exposure

 

Chinese investigations have shown levels of fluoride in drinking water

at levels of 3-11 ppm affect the nervous system without first causing

physical malformations. Another Chinese study found Attention Deficit

Disorders in adult humans if sublingual drops containing 100 ppm of

sodium fluoride were administered. Sources of fluoride exposure

include processed beverages, toothpastes, mouth rinses, dietary

supplements and food. This is an exposure level potentially relevant

to humans because toothpastes contain 1000 to 1500 ppm fluoride and

mouthrinses contain 230-900 ppm fluoride.

 

In the 1995 article appearing in the journal Neurotoxicology and

Teratology, Dr. Phyllis J Mullenix states,

 

" Still unexplored, however, is the possibility that fluoride

exposure is linked with subtle brain dysfunction. This is the first

study to demonstrate that central nervous system output is vulnerable

to fluoride, that the effects on behavior depend on the age at

exposure and that fluoride accumulates in brain tissues. Of course

behaviors per se do not extrapolate, but a generic behavioral pattern

disruption as found in this rat study can be indicative of potential

for motor dysfunction, IQ deficits and/or learning disabilities in

humans. Substances that accumulate in brain tissue potentiate concerns

about neurotoxic risk. "

 

Dr. Phyllis J. Mullenix

Toxicology Department, Forsyth Research Institute, Boston, MA

JOURNAL TITLE: Neurotoxicity of Sodium Fluoride in Rats