Written Answers. - Forum on Fluoridation.
John Gormley
Ceist:
182
Mr. Gormley
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
if his attention has been drawn to the comprehensive critique of the fluoride forum report by Voice; his views on some of its conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23168/02]
John Gormley
Ceist:
183
Mr. Gormley
asked the
Minister for Health and Children
the reason the fluoride forum report did not examine studies from many countries which showed no real increase in dental caries in areas where water fluoridation had been discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[23169/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.
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.
Despite these endorsements, I decided to establish the forum on fluoridation to review the fluoridation of public piped water supplies in Ireland. The forum's report was recently launched and its main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure, subject to the recommendations of the forum. 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; 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.
The forum's report emerged from 14 plenary meetings, several meetings of subgroups and oral presentations of material from both proponents and opponents of fluoridation. The forum invited the public to forward their views and examined more than 1,000 submissions. The forum took a participatory and evidence based approach striving to ensure balance between participants from both sides of the debate on water fluoridation. Despite several invitations to do so, it is regrettable that Voice declined to participate in the work of the forum. Many of the issues raised in its critique are the subject of ongoing research as outlined in chapter 14 of the forum on fluoridation.
The report of the fluoridation forum made 33 recommendations covering a broad range of topics such as research, public awareness, and policy and technical aspects of fluoridation. Following publication of the report, I have asked my Department to establish an expert body as recommended by the forum. This expert body will oversee the implementation of the wide ranging recommendations of the forum and advise me on all aspects of fluoride going forward. In par ticular, ongoing research related to fluoride will continue to be evaluated by the expert body and expanded to deal with new emerging issues.
Information is already available in published literature about the effects of withdrawing water fluoridation from community water supplies and the effects differ depending on local circumstances. For example, in areas of Scotland and Wales where water fluoridation was discontinued, there was an increase in dental decay. The culture and dietary patterns in these regions are similar to those experienced in Ireland.
In Finland the outcome and circumstances were different. Finland already had an alternative fluoride supplementation programme and a comprehensive preventive programme in place before withdrawing water fluoridation. There was also widespread substitution of xylitol instead of sugar in the diet. In these circumstances, Finland did not experience a rise in levels of dental decay. Finally, the fluoridation forum's report was launched on 10 September 2002 and was circulated to each member of the House. It has also been placed before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
