Trevor Sargent
Ceist:83 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the level at which fluoride becomes toxic in the human body. [11889/96]
Vol. 466 No. 5
83 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the level at which fluoride becomes toxic in the human body. [11889/96]
84 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the effects, if any, on human and animal life if fluoride is not added to the drinking water. [11890/96]
85 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health the reason fluoride continues to be added to Irish drinking water in view of the fact that dental caries is not a life-threatening disease, that it is easily avoided by proper diet and proper dental hygiene and that fluoride is a toxic waste by-product with known detrimental health effects. [11891/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 to 85 inclusive, together.
Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine in combination with another organic or inorganic natural substance. Fluorine itself is a natural substance which occurs widely in nature and always in combination. Like many other natural substances, fluoride, if taken to excess, can cause detrimental health effects.