Fluoride,Arsenic and lead exposure in children's intellectual function

Exposure to fluoride, arsenic, and lead can have significant impacts on children's intellectual function. Here's a summary of the effects of each:

Fluoride

• Neurodevelopment and Cognition: Higher levels of fluoride exposure, such as drinking water containing more than 1.5 milligrams of fluoride per liter, are associated with lower IQ in children. Recent studies have shown that elevated fluoride intake during early development can result in cognitive deficits2.

Arsenic

• Intellectual Function: Arsenic exposure, particularly in utero and during early childhood, has been linked to reductions in intellectual function. Studies have found associations between arsenic exposure and lower scores on various cognitive tests4. Chronic exposure to arsenic can impair neurological function, leading to cognitive deficits.

Lead

• Intellectual and Neurobehavioral Abilities: Lead is a well-known neurotoxin that can cause significant harm to children's intellectual and neurobehavioral development. Even low levels of lead exposure have been associated with lower IQ scores and behavioral issues7. Lead poisoning can result in permanent cognitive impairments.