Written Answers. - Water Fluoridation.
Gerard Murphy
Question:
152
Mr. Murphy
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if he will undertake research to establish if the occurrence of fluoride poisoning, that is, dental fluorosis reported by the Forum on Fluoridation, systematically causes damage which manifests itself in dental fluoresces impacting elsewhere, that is, on the human skeleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3307/03]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:
342
Ms O. Mitchell
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if, in view of the increasing occurrence of fluoride poisoning, that is, dental fluorosis reported by the Forum on Fluoridation, research will be undertaken to establish if this systematically causes damage which manifests itself in dental fluoresces and is impacting elsewhere, that is, on the human skeleton; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[3343/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 342 together.
The use of fluoride technology is known to manifest a positive oral health outcome. Local and national surveys and studies conducted since the introduction of fluoridation in this country attest to the reduced dental decay levels of children and teenagers in fluoridated areas compared to those residing in non-fluoridated areas. The safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation has been endorsed by a number of international and reputable bodies such as the World Health Organisation, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States Public Health Service and the United States Surgeon General.
Despite these endorsements, I decided to establish the Forum on Fluoridation to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. The forum's report was recently launched and its main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure.
The forum consisted of people with expert knowledge spanning the areas of public health, biochemistry, dental health, bone health, food safety, environmental protection, ethics, water quality, health promotion and representatives from the consumer and environmental areas. This diversity of professional backgrounds and representation was reflected in the comprehensive way the forum conducted its work and research.
The forum also concluded that: water fluoridation has been very effective in improving the oral health of the Irish population, especially of children, but also of adults and the elderly; the best available and most reliable scientific evidence indicates that at the maximum permitted level of fluoride in drinking water at one part per million, human health is not adversely affected; and dental fluorosis, a form of discolouration of the tooth enamel, is a well-recognised condition and an indicator of overall fluoride absorption, whether from natural sources, fluoridated water or from the inappropriate use of fluoride toothpaste at a young age. There is evidence that the prevalence of dental fluorosis is increasing in Ireland.
The forum took an evidence based approach to its examination of water fluoridation. After examining the question of fluoride and bone health, the forum reported that epidemiological studies have shown that long-term exposure to fluoride does not adversely affect bone strength, bone mineral density or the incidence of fractures.
The report of the fluoridation forum made 33 recommendations covering a broad range of topics such as research, public awareness, and policy and technical aspects of fluoridation. Following publication of the report, I have asked my Department to establish an expert body as recommended by the forum. This expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide-ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride going forward. In particular, ongoing research related to fluoride will continue to be evaluated by the expert body and expanded to deal with new emerging issues.
