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Association between fluoride exposure and behavioural outcomes of school-age children: a pilot study in China
Anqi Wang1,2, Leizhen Duan3, Hui Huang1,2
1Department of Environment Health, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China.
Insights
High fluoride exposure in children is linked to behavioral issues, particularly psychosomatic problems. This study in China found increased risks with higher urinary fluoride levels.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Psychology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Fluoride exposure is common in many regions globally.
- Childhood behavioral problems are a significant public health concern.
- Understanding environmental risk factors for behavioral issues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fluoride exposure and behavioral outcomes in school-aged children.
- To specifically examine the link between urinary fluoride levels and various behavioral problems.
- To identify if fluoride exposure is a risk factor for specific behavioral issues in children.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 325 school-aged children (7-13 years) from Tongxu County, China.
- Measured urinary fluoride (UF) concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method.
- Assessed behavioral outcomes using Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, including conduct, learning, psychosomatic problems, impulsivity-hyperactivity, anxiety, and ADHD index.
Main Results:
- Each 1.0 mg/L increase in UF concentration correlated with a 4.01-point rise in psychosomatic problem scores.
- A 1.0 mg/L UF increment was associated with a 97% increased odds of psychosomatic problems (OR = 1.97).
- Sensitivity analysis confirmed the consistency of these findings after adjusting for confounders.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride exposure shows a positive association with behavioral problems in school-aged children.
- Psychosomatic problems are particularly linked to higher fluoride exposure levels.
- Findings suggest environmental fluoride may negatively impact child behavior, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
To assess the association between fluoride exposure and children's behavioural outcomes, we recruited 325 resident school-age children (7-13 years old) lived in Tongxu County of Henan Province in China. We measured urinary fluoride (UF) concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method. Children's behavioural outcomes were assessed by Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, including conduct problems, learning problems, psychosomatic problems, impulsive-hyperactive, anxiety, and ADHD index. It turned out that each 1.0 mg/L increment in UF concentration corresponded with an elevation in the psychosomatic problem score of 4.01 (95% CI: 2.74, 5.28) and a 97% (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.27) increase in the prevalence of psychosomatic problems after adjusting for potential influencing factors. The sensitivity analysis results were consistent with those observed in our preliminary analysis. Our study suggests that fluoride exposure is positively related to the behavioural problem in school-age children, psychosomatic problem in particular.
