Mary Coughlan
Ceist:253 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views regarding the fluoridation of water; the research, if any, regarding its effects on people's health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/00]
Vol. 513 No. 6
253 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views regarding the fluoridation of water; the research, if any, regarding its effects on people's health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2983/00]
The fluoridation of the public piped water supplies is an important programme for the protection of dental health and is subject to the provisions of the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960, and various regulations made under the Act. The safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation as a public health measure has been evaluated frequently by the World Health Organisation and other reputable authorities, such as the Health Research Council of the United States, and concerns about adverse health effects have not been substantiated. In October 1999, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland issued a report which endorsed the safety and effectiveness of water fluoridation. All of the reputable scientific evidence confirms the safety of fluoride when it is available in public piped water supplies at the optimal levels. These levels are the same as those required under the Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960. A survey of adult dental health carried out in 1991 found no significant difference in regard to general health status between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas. If an authoritative body in this country or internationally indicates that there is an issue of public health significance relating to the use of fluoride in water which should be investigated, my Department would support this research in the usual manner.