Weird Public Health Science

The Daily Beast reports the results of a study of 512 Canadian mothers drinking fluoridated water during pregnancy on the subsequent IQ of their offspring. Those consuming more fluoride had children whose IQs averaged some 3 points lower, which with a sample this size, was significant.

Normal persons would not be able to perceive a 3 point difference in IQ between two individuals. Those who drank more water and tea, and thus had higher fluoride concentrations in the urine were likely to have slightly less intelligent sons.

While medical organizations are not advising that pregnant women avoid fluoridated water—and the study has no implications for the use of fluoride after birth—Green believes the results are significant enough to warrant a change in behavior.

“What we recommend is lowering fluoride ingestion during pregnancy,” she said.

The subjects came from 6 cities which presumably all fluoridated their water. What needs examining is whether some exogenous factor, related to social class, economic status, ethnicity, personal health, or genetics causes some women to consume more water and tea (and presumably Crystal Light). That factor, rather than the fluoride, may be influencing offspring IQ.

I'd also want to compare city kids, exposed to fluoride, with country kids whose well water generally has none. The original study was published in JAMA Pediatrics. Hat tip to Instapundit for the link.

Later ... Growing up without cavities might be worth sacrificing three IQ points.