Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:40 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no comprehensive health tests were carried out on fluoride levels in Irish persons. [18478/04]
View answerTuesday, 22 June 2004
Questions (44)
Written answers
The general health status of people participating in the 1990 adult dental health survey of Ireland was assessed. General health was measured using the criteria developed by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists.
The fluoridation forum reported that the results of this part of the survey showed that there was no difference in the general health status of persons residing in fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. A similar examination of general health status was undertaken as part of the current national oral health survey.
I established the forum 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 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 was 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.