Study Findings

An August 2024 U.S. government study indicates a link between fluoride levels and IQ in children. A review was conducted of seventy-two studies from six different countries (Mexico, Canada, China, India, Pakistan and Iran) that assessed the association between fluoride exposure and IQ in children. Scientists concluded that drinking water fluoride concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality of 1.5 mg/L of fluoride are associated with lower IQs—perhaps 2 to 5 points lower—in children exposed to those levels.

The study did not try to correlate the relationship between the amount of IQ points lost and specific fluoride exposure levels. Additionally, the study did not reach any definitive conclusions regarding IQ and fluoride exposure in adults.

Fluoride: Hazard to Health or Public Health Achievement?

Fluoride is a controversial topic. Many people believe fluoride contributes to stronger bones and healthier teeth, while others believe exposure to fluoride in any way or any amount is a significant health hazard.

Fluoride is often added to toothpaste and other oral care products to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by slowing down the tooth demineralization process and reducing the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities, and is generally considered safe and effective by medical professionals when used for topical application as directed at the recommended amounts.

Small amounts of fluoride are often found in natural drinking water sources such as wells, lakes and streams. In an effort to reduce dental caries, U.S. health officials began recommending that public drinking water supplies contain 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L of fluoride as early as 1945. Recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water were lowered to .7 mg/L in 2015, in part to the popularity of and widespread use of fluoride-containing toothpastes and other oral care products. The EPA requires that water cannot have a fluoride level of more than 4 mg/L.

Excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to tooth discoloration (dental fluorosis), neurological issues, thyroid problems and a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis.

Fluoride Exposure Varies by Country

Drinking fluoridated water is commonplace in the United States, with over an estimated half the population receiving artificially or naturally fluoridated water. However, it is important to note that fluoridation policies, methods and amounts—and your potential exposure—can vary greatly from country to country.

For example, Japan and most western European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Italy and others do not add fluoride to their water at all. Some—but not all—areas of England add fluoride to public water supplies. And even though Austria, France, Switzerland and Germany do not add fluoride to water, fluoride is often added to table salt in those countries. Bulgaria, Russia, Thailand and Chile and others operate school-based fluoridated milk programs for children. Therefore, it is up to the individual to educate themselves and decide if fluoride consumption is right for them—and, if so, to understand the potential sources and amounts of fluoride they feel comfortable consuming.

Berkey® Systems Give You an Option Regarding Reduction of Fluoride in Your Drinking Water

Some Berkey® Water Systems users are not concerned about fluoride in their drinking water or do not have fluoride added to the municipal water in their area or country. However, others believe exposure to fluoride in any way is a health hazard, and prefer to reduce the amount of fluoride in their water. That’s why we developed and offer the optional Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements that can be added to Berkey® systems.

Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are designed to work in conjunction with Black Berkey® Elements to adsorb the following unwanted elements found in drinking water:

  • Fluoride: Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Fluorosilicate, Fluorosilicic Acid (aka Hydrofluorosilic Acid)
  • Arsenic: V and pre-oxidized Arsenic III
  • Other residual heavy metal ions

Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements simply attach to the bottom of Black Berkey® Elements and sit in the lower chamber of your Berkey® system. Each pair can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water before replacement is recommended, depending on quality of influent water.

Berkey® Systems—Trusted by Consumers Worldwide

Berkey® systems are used every day in homes around the world by discerning consumers who trust the quality of Berkey® systems to meet their drinking water needs. Berkey® systems are simple and easy to use and require no electricity, costly installation, tools or plumbing to operate—providing economical, long-lasting water filtration for just pennies a gallon. Berkey® systems equipped with Black Berkey® Elements have been tested by independent third-party labs to remove or dramatically reduce 200+ typical contaminants in water. Berkey® systems are available in seven sizes. Find an authorized Berkey® Dealer today.

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