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Our Research Program.
Our research focuses on examining the health effects of exposures to various environmental contaminants, including fluoride, lead, and other neurotoxicants. We aim to identify and quantify risks through epidemiological and multi-disciplinary studies, including effects on the nervous and endocrine systems. We seek to understanding how exposures may interact with risk and protective factors, such as psychosocial stress and nutrition. Much of our work has focused on vulnerable population groups, including fetuses, children, racial/ethnic minorities, and people of low socioeconomic status. We use state-of-the-art biomarkers of exposure, including children’s primary or “baby” teeth, to measure early-life environmental exposures. Our long-term goal is to translate discoveries about health risks into population-based preventive strategies that promote brain health.
Program History.
Dr. Till has been examining the safety of fluoride since 2015 when her and a student conducted the first epidemiological study to show an association between water fluoridation and the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the United States. The overwhelming reactions to this study demonstrated the urgent need for better-quality research to address critical knowledge gaps related to the safety of fluoride. Most of the published research on this topic was methodologically weak, decades old, or simply lacking for vulnerable populations, such as the fetus. To make informed decisions about the safety of water fluoridation, studies looking at sensitive endpoints in the most vulnerable population were needed.
Specific Research Interests.
1
Effects of environmental neurotoxicants on reproductive, maternal, and children’s health
2
Endocrine-disruptors and health outcomes
3
Neuropsychological sequelae of demyelinating disease
Fluoride Use Across the World
Fluoride is one of the most controversial and contentious areas in public health today. The benefits of fluoridated water for prevention of tooth decay are cited widely. Mounting evidence suggests, however, that fluoride exposure may have adverse effects on brain development. These findings have raised concerns about water fluoridation, which accounts for approximately 70% of daily fluoride intake in adults. An estimated 39% of Canadians and 74% of Americans on public water supplies receive optimally fluoridated water compared with only 3% of Europe.
39%
74%
3%
METHODS
The Till Lab uses data from longitudinal and cross-sectional population-based studies that involve cutting edge methods for measuring fluoride exposure.
OUTCOMES
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Birth outcomes (e.g.)
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Neurodevelopmental outcomes
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Sleep outcomes
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Thyroid function
Other Research.
Dr. Christine Till focused much of her career looking at factors that play a role in limiting the clinical expression of demyelinating disease, such as multiple sclerosis, in childhood and adolescence. The program looked at links between neuropsychological sequelae associated with demyelinating disease and structural and functional neuroimaging metrics. Additionally, factors that may promote brain health, such as physical activity, were also considered. Although legacy work continues in this area, Dr. Till has started focusing more exclusively on children's environmental health including studying the impact of fluoride and other potential neurotoxicants on the developing brain. This legacy work uses a multi-disciplinary approach involving collaboration with a large group of scientists and clinicians. Through this they have been able to characterize the functional impact of brain0related changes in children, adolescents, and young adults. The goal of this research is to support the development enhancement of treatments to improve quality of life.