Won Seok Lee, Ju Hee Kim, Boeun Han, Gi Chun Lee, Hye Ri Jung, Ye Jin Shin, Eun Kyo Ha, Eun Lee, Soonchul Lee, Man Yong Han
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Community water fluoridation is an effective public health strategy for preventing dental caries, yet. Concerns exist about potential health problems. This study explores associations between tap water fluoride levels and pediatric disease burden, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 years of age.
Methods: This nationwide population-based cohort study included children born in Korean cities with and without tap water fluoridation projects, between 2006 and 2012, aiming for a fluoride concentration of 0.8 ± 0.2 mg/L in treated tap water. Data from the National Health Insurance Service were used, spanning from birth to 2018. The relationship between exposure to fluoridated tap water and incidence of 16 childhood diseases that were previously identified as potentially linked to fluoride exposure were examined. Additionally, we evaluated the neurodevelopmental outcomes across various domains, including gross motor, fine motor, cognition, language, social skills, and self-help functions. These assessments were performed using data from a comprehensive national health screening program for children aged six years.
Results: A fluoride-unexposed group included 22,881 children, whereas a fluoride-exposed group comprised 29,991 children (52% males). Children in the fluoride-exposed group had a decreased risk of dental caries and bone fractures [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval, CI), 0.76 (0.63-0.93) and 0.89 (0.82-0.93), respectively] and increased risk of hepatic failures [1.85, (1.14-2.98)] compared to those in the unexposed group. Additionally, the risk ratio of abnormal neurodevelopmental screening outcomes increased by 9%, but this was statistically uncertain (95% CI, 0.95-1.26).
Conclusions: Fluoridated tap water was associated with an increased risk of hepatic failure but a decreased risk of bone fractures in children. The association between fluoridated tap water and neurodevelopmental screening outcomes at 6 years remains unclear, highlighting the need for further studies to clarify this association.
期刊介绍:
The World Journal of Pediatrics, a monthly publication, is dedicated to disseminating peer-reviewed original papers, reviews, and special reports focusing on clinical practice and research in pediatrics.
We welcome contributions from pediatricians worldwide on new developments across all areas of pediatrics, including pediatric surgery, preventive healthcare, pharmacology, stomatology, and biomedicine. The journal also covers basic sciences and experimental work, serving as a comprehensive academic platform for the international exchange of medical findings.