Systematic review of epidemiological and toxicological evidence on health effects of fluoride in drinking water

The current review identified moderate dental fluorosis and reduction in IQ scores in children as the most relevant endpoints for establishing an HBV for fluoride in drinking water. PODs were derived for these two endpoints, although there is still some uncertainty in the causal weight of evidence for causality for reducing IQ scores in children and considerable uncertainty in the derivation of its POD. Given our evaluation of the overall weight of evidence, moderate dental fluorosis is suggested as the key endpoint until more evidence is accumulated on possible reduction of IQ scores effects. A POD of 1.56 mg fluoride/L for moderate dental fluorosis may be preferred as a starting point for setting an HBV for fluoride in drinking water to protect against moderate and severe dental fluorosis. Although outside the scope of the current review, precautionary concerns for potential neurodevelopmental cognitive effects may warrant special consideration in the derivation of the HBV for fluoride in drinking water.