Trevor Sargent
Question:96 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the way to control the amount of fluoride ingested by humans; and if it is accessible to all plants and animals through a water source. [5230/97]
Written Answers. - Fluoride Levels.
Limerick East): I understand that fluoride occurs naturally in the environment and is, consequently, found in water and food. It is added to public water supplies in many areas throughout the world, including Ireland, as a public health measure, at a level not exceeding 1 part per million. Information available to my Department confirms that the amount of fluoride ingested in Ireland is not a cause for concern and epidemiological markers confirm this. I also understand that, according to the World Health Organisation, extensive reviews on foodborne fluoride from plant and animal sources show that fluoride concentrations are low and are not a cause for concern.