As you may know, there has been substantial controversy and negative publicity about the safety of the fluoride and community water fluoridation (CWF) concerning neurodevelopment/IQ over the past 15 months since the publication of the National Toxicology Program's (NTP) "Monograph on the State of the Science Concerning Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopment and Cognition: A Systematic Review" and the January 2025 publication of the related meta-analysis by Taylor et al. (2025) in JAMA Pediatrics. IOM-C seminar spaeaker (11/18/25) and UI College of Dentistry Professor Steven Levy also wrote an associated editorial challenging many of their analysis and conclusions (Levy et al., 2025) published in the same journal issue. Virtually all relevant previous publications have been from other countries and/or at much higher F levels than used with CWF. [JAMA Pediatrics et al]
On November 19, 2025, a very important article was published in Science Advances concerning CWF with U.S. data relating fluoride exposures to cognitive test results for a large cohort of high school students followed up at approximately age 60 (Warren et al., 2025). This is a "Game-Changer" since it clearly shows that CWF is not harmful to cognition at the levels used in the United States and is associated with better cognition in adolescence. See the linked article, supplemental material, and important editorial by Dr. Savitz.
World-recognized epidemiologist, Dr. David Savitz, said in his commentary (2025) that "Until clear evidence exists that water fluoridation lacks public health benefit or compelling evidence of harm at the level of fluoride exposure in fluoridated water, neither of which has occurred, it seems foolhardy to interfere with a long-established and well-recognized public health success. With due credit to the folk wisdom of Bert Lance, director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Jimmy Carter, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Warren and colleagues move the needle a bit further into the "ain't broke" range."
Additional information: Science Advances- Warren et al>
Nov.19, 2025 >Warren information>
Savitz information>
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