Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 December 2013
587. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if sufficient research has been conducted on the health risks associated with fluoridated water, namely, thyroid disorders; and the action that has been taken to combat such health risks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54051/13]
View answerThere have been a great number of primary research papers on various aspects of general health and water fluoridation. No claim associating water fluoridation, at the optimal level, with negative health effects has been substantiated. The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, established in 2004, continuously monitors new and emerging issues on fluoride and its effects. It advises that the balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, protects the oral health of the population and does not cause any ill effects. It advises that there is no association between water fluoridation and thyroid disorders. The opinion of the Expert Body regarding the absence of ill effects of water fluoridation is supported by major international scientifically validated reviews. The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation on general health will be conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health in 2014.
