Vol. 519 No. 1
125 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the advice he has received with regard to the recent revelations regarding fluoridation and the effects it may have; and his intentions, if any, to issue guidelines on the matter. [13173/00]
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 medicine 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 side effect of too much fluoride ingested in early childhood while teeth are forming is dental fluorosis. This effect was always known and was accepted as a trade off against the dental benefits. The period of maximum risk is two to five years of age. Drinking fluoridated water within the range 0.8 – 1.0ppm gives rise to a very small percentage of the population having fluorosis of a mild to a very mild category. This type of fluorosis is almost invisible to the untrained eye.
The statutory dosing parameter for fluoride is the level at which the greatest protection against dental decay is achieved while at the same time minimising the risk of fluorosis.
The greatest risk factor for fluorosis in children is their frequent swallowing of amounts of fluoride toothpaste greater than the size of a pea.
The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 210 million people in 39 countries benefit from artificially fluoridated water. An additional 40 million people benefit from water supply which is naturally fluoridated.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority, on behalf of the Department of Health and Children and the health boards, has 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 studies appropriate consultation will take place to inform future policy on fluoride use for this country.
It would not be appropriate to issue new guidelines until this work is complete. However, I do intend to promote more widely the correct usage of fluoride toothpaste.
