Vol. 517 No. 6
215 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if any studies have been carried out under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960, on the health effects of fluoridation of the water system; his views on recent allegations that fluoridation increases the rate of hip fractures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10415/00]
The fluoridation of the public piped water sup plies is an important programme for the protection of dental health and is subject to the provisions of the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960, and various regulations made under the Act. The safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation as a public health measure has been evaluated frequently by the World Health Organisation and other reputable authorities, such as the Health Research Council of the United States, and concerns about adverse health effects have not been substantiated. In October 1999, the faculty of public health medi cine of The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland issued a report which endorsed the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. All of the reputable scientific evidence confirms the safety of fluoride when it is available in public piped water supplies at the optimal levels. These levels are the same as those required under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960. A survey of adult dental health carried out in 1991 found no significant difference in regard to general health status between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. The Eastern Regional Health Authority, on behalf of the Department of Health and Children and the eight regional health boards, have awarded a contract jointly to Trinity College, Dublin, and University College, Cork, to advise health boards on an up-to-date status report on all aspects relating to fluoride use including water fluoridation. When advice and recommendations are available from these bodies appropriate consultation will take place to inform future policy on fluoride use for this country.
In relation to hip fractures, a series of ecological studies have demonstrated either no relationship, reduced risk or increased risk. Ecological studies are not useful for demonstrating cause and effect but are useful for generating hypotheses. Medical researchers in Sheffield found no link between fluoride in drinking water and hip fracture when using a population based case control study. This is the most reliable method for demonstrating probable cause and effect.
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