Australia's fluoride safety advice under review after new research
Australia's health agency will review fluoride safety advice. Research linked prenatal exposure to lower childhood IQ.
Australia's top medical research agency confirmed a review on Thursday. A Senate hearing raised concerns about fluoride crossing the placenta.
New Swedish research found links between low prenatal fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. The links appeared at ages five and ten.
The Australian Dental Association says the evidence still supports fluoridated water as safe. They point to Australian studies finding no link between fluoride and IQ.
Current guidelines say that fluoridated water is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The council will examine all available evidence.
They will decide whether the advice should change.
Why it mattersIf guidelines change, water fluoridation policy across Australian cities could shift. This would affect millions of households and public health strategy.
AustraliaAny changes could alter how water is treated in Australian towns and cities, and affect advice to pregnant women about drinking fluoridated tap water.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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