Hm I don’t think that follows from the review- I would ideally like more studies looking at whether fluoride can affect IQ (esp at high concentrations), but I don’t think this should be the highest priority thing.
I want to highlight that the ‘low level evidence’ refers to fluoride at high concentrations. As I’ve outlined above, I think that fluoride interventions should only be used in areas with low fluoride levels. See the start of that review’s discussion, where it reads ‘This systematic review and meta-analysis gathered evidence showing that, following the WHO classification of low and high levels in the drinking water, exposure to low/adequate water F levels is not associated with any neurological damage, while exposure to high levels is. The level of evidence for this association, however, was considered very low.’
I could still see an argument to add in a risk factor to my CEA, but (bearing in mind that this is in a low fluoride area) I think this risk is sufficiently small that it is not worth including. For example, I haven’t included a factor for ‘not in pain = can go to school = higher IQ/ earnings’ which I’d argue has more support behind it. Nonetheless, I will keep an open mind and watch out for any new studies about this.
Hm I don’t think that follows from the review- I would ideally like more studies looking at whether fluoride can affect IQ (esp at high concentrations), but I don’t think this should be the highest priority thing.
I want to highlight that the ‘low level evidence’ refers to fluoride at high concentrations. As I’ve outlined above, I think that fluoride interventions should only be used in areas with low fluoride levels. See the start of that review’s discussion, where it reads ‘This systematic review and meta-analysis gathered evidence showing that, following the WHO classification of low and high levels in the drinking water, exposure to low/adequate water F levels is not associated with any neurological damage, while exposure to high levels is. The level of evidence for this association, however, was considered very low.’
I could still see an argument to add in a risk factor to my CEA, but (bearing in mind that this is in a low fluoride area) I think this risk is sufficiently small that it is not worth including. For example, I haven’t included a factor for ‘not in pain = can go to school = higher IQ/ earnings’ which I’d argue has more support behind it. Nonetheless, I will keep an open mind and watch out for any new studies about this.