Dan Boyle
Question:48 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, his Department has to extend fluoridation of drinking water. [6740/03]
Written Answers - Water Fluoridation.
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 here 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.
Local authorities are required to fluoridate public water supplies in accordance with the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act 1960 and I have no plans to extend the scope of this Act. The report of the forum on fluoridation recommended a reduction in the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water. Currently, approximately 71% of the Irish population reside in fluoridated communities. The Act provides for the making by health authorities of arrangements for the fluoridation of water supplied to the public by sanitary authorities through pipes.
I established the forum on fluoridation to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. Its report was launched on 10 September 2002. Its main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure.
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 1 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 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. Ultimately, the forum took an evidence based approach to its examination of water fluoridation.