Texas A&M economist sees fluoridation has harmed the labor force

 The Fluoridation Record December 6, 2021 2

Texas A&M economist sees fluoridation has harmed the labor force
The practice of water fluoridation has been sold to the public as a means for individuals
to improve their livelihoods, but a new study from Texas A&M suggests the opposite has been
the case.
In an analysis of county-based Census records matched with the date of adoption of
water fluoridation, economics doctoral candidate Adam Roberts found early exposure to
fluoride in drinking water has not improved labor market outcomes.
“Children exposed to community water fluoridation from age zero to five are

worse off
as adults on indices of economic self-sufficiency and physical ability and health. They are also
significantly less likely to graduate high school or serve in the military and more likely to be
incarcerated as adults. These findings overturn existing conclusions about safe levels of fluoride
exposure and its impact on adult labor market outcomes,” wrote Roberts.
He concludes, “These findings have important implications for water fluoridation policy.
Fluoride is still being added to a majority of public water supplies in the U.S. and regulations for
regions with naturally high levels of fluoride allow water to carry up to 4 mg/L, four times the
level of water fluoridation evaluated in this study. The results of this study demonstrate the
need for a re-evaluation of water fluoridation policies. The observed negative impacts of
fluoride combined with widespread access to the enamel strengthening benefits of fluoride
through toothpaste and dental treatments provides a strong argument for ending the practice
of water fluoridation and lowering the maximum levels of fluoride allowed by safe drinking
water standards. If water fluoridation practices continue, more research is needed to
determine the optimal level of fluoride such that the marginal benefits to dental health are not
overwhelmed by impacts on health, cognitive ability, and labor market success. Further study is
needed to determine the exact biological mechanisms that are driving these negative effects
and discover solutions that mitigate them.”
https://ar8roberts.github.io/My-Website/Fluoride_JMP.pdf