That plus several generations of lead exposure since 1922. :
"Children exposed totetraethyl lead(TEL) are particularly vulnerable due
to their developing nervous systems and higher rates of absorption and
retention of lead. Exposure can lead to a range of severe and often
irreversible health effects. Chronic, low-level exposure is associated
with reduced IQ, impaired cognitive function, decreased attention span,
learning disabilities, and behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and
irritability.Even low levels of lead exposure can negatively impact
brain development, with no safe threshold identified for children.
Specific neurological effects include memory loss, delayed reflexes,
tremors, and an overall decline in cognitive function.In more severe
cases, lead poisoning can cause encephalopathy, leading to symptoms such
as vomiting, irritability, lethargy, ataxia, convulsions, and
potentially coma or death, especially in young children.The toxic
effects are exacerbated by the fact that TEL is lipophilic, allowing it
to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in the brain, making it
resistant to standard chelation therapy used for other heavy metals.
Historical data shows that during the peak use of leaded gasoline, mean
blood lead levels in US children reached nearly 200 μg/L in the 1970s,
which was associated with a significant population-wide decline in
intelligence, including a 50% reduction in the number of children with
high IQ scores (above 130) and a corresponding rise in those with
intellectual disabilities (IQ below 70).The long-term consequences
include lifelong reductions in economic productivity due to diminished
cognitive abilities.Although the phaseout of TEL has led to a dramatic
drop in blood lead levels—falling from 16 μg/dL in 1976 to 3 μg/dL in
1991—residual lead in soil and other environmental sources continues to
pose a risk, particularly to children who are more likely to come into
contact with contaminated soil."
And then there's Floride contamination:
"Children exposed to excessive fluoride, particularly during critical
periods of development, may experience adverse health effects, primarily
related to dental and neurological development.
Exposure to high levels of fluoride during tooth development, especially
in children under the age of seven, can lead todental fluorosis, a
condition characterized by changes in the appearance of tooth enamel.
This can range from mild, barely noticeable white spots (Tooth Surface
Index of 1) to more severe discoloration, pitting, and mottling (Tooth
Surface Index of 2 or more), which may require cosmetic treatment.The
risk of fluorosis increases with higher fluoride intake from sources
such as fluoridated water, toothpaste, supplements, and foods prepared
with fluoridated water.
Emerging evidence suggests that prenatal and early-life exposure to
fluoride may also impact neurodevelopment. A U.S.-based study found that
children exposed to higher levels of fluoride in utero were
significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant
neurobehavioral problems by age three, includingincreased emotional
reactivity, anxiety, somatic complaints (like headaches and
stomachaches), and symptoms linked to autism.This finding aligns with
previous research from other countries indicating that prenatal fluoride
exposure is associated with lower IQ scores in early childhood.Several
cross-sectional studies from China, India, Iran, and other regions have
reported a negative association between fluoride exposure and children's
IQ, with higher water fluoride levels correlating with reduced cognitive
performance.The neurotoxic effects appear to be dose-dependent, with
some studies suggesting that even low to moderate exposure may be linked
to alterations in thyroid function and lower IQ.
While fluoride is effective in preventing dental caries through its
topical action on erupted teeth, the primary mechanism of its benefit is
topical, not systemic.Ingested fluoride contributes significantly to the
development of fluorosis but has minimal impact on preventing tooth
decay.The risk of serious health effects from accidental ingestion of
fluoride products is generally low, with most cases resulting in mild,
self-limited gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea, especially when the dose is below 8.4 mg/kg of elemental
fluoride.However, ingestion of large amounts, such as from industrial
products, can be fatal.
In summary, while fluoride is beneficial for preventing tooth decay,
excessive exposure during pregnancy and early childhood poses risks for
dental fluorosis and potential neurodevelopmental harm, including lower
IQ and increased behavioral problems."
I agree with Bill, a permanent "stupid" condition!
On 10/25/25 10:50, Bill Prince wrote:
<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/18/are-we-living-in-a-golden-age-of-stupidity-technology>
Are we living in a golden age of stupidity?
<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/18/are-we-living-in-a-golden-age-of-stupidity-technology>
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bp
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