Fluoridation Side Effects > Infant Mortality Links to Source Documents: Infant Mortality | Fluoridation One of the top causes of infant death in America is preterm pregnancies, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A 2009 study found more premature births in upstate New York communities that had fluoridated water than in those without fluoridated water. – American Public Health Association Fluoride in tap water attacks the delicate lining of an infant's stomach and intestinal tract. Watch an interview with Dr. A.K. Susheela whose report published in Current Science (May 25, 2010) showed that fluoride avoidance reduced anemia in pregnant women, decreased pre-term births and enhanced babies' birth-weight. "The outcomes related to infant mortality, congenital defects and IQ indicate a need for further high quality research, using appropriate analytical methods to control for confounding factors." – Conclusions of the York Review, "Fluoridation of Drinking Water: a Systematic Review of its Efficacy and Safety," Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, September 2000. What's Lead Got to Do with It? Fluoridation chemicals leach lead into drinking water which increases lead levels in children's blood. (See also References #29 & 30.) Research has shown that elevated blood lead levels in pregnant women, even those well below 10 micrograms per deciliter -- the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "level of concern" -- can cause miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and subsequent developmental delays in their children. – "Lead hazards for pregnant women and children," American Journal of Nursing, Oct. 2008 Water Fluoridation – Sales Pitch vs. Reality Check is a comprehensive 2008 report by John D. MacArthur whose recent comments to EPA summarize epidemiological data suggesting millions of Americans are suffering adverse health conditions resulting from the failure to properly regulate fluoride in drinking water. This page revised September 3, 2010.