Finian McGrath
Ceist:396. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if fluoride in our water system is a dangerous neurotoxin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46057/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 2 December 2014
Ceisteanna (396)
Freagraí scríofa
The level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. This level of fluoride is deemed optimal for protecting the oral health of all age groups. European Council Directive 98/83 allows for a maximum permitted concentration of fluoride in drinking water up to 1.5mg/litre (or parts per million), almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland. In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, i.e. the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population.
A number of studies which claim an effect on children's IQ at very high levels of naturally occurring fluoride were assessed by the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health in 2011. They were found to be of no relevance to Ireland, given our regulated fluoridation levels.
The most recent study on this topic reviewed by the Expert Body was the paper on 'Community Water Fluoridation and Intelligence: Prospective Study in New Zealand (Broadbent et al 2014). Broadbent et al state that 'findings do not support the assertion that fluoride exposure in the context of CWF (Community Water Fluoridation) can affect neurologic development or IQ". The study suggests that study members who lived in areas with CWF before age 5 years had slightly higher IQ's (on average) in adulthood than those who had not, although the difference was not statistically significant.
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 at its current level on the health of the population is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. This review is due to be completed by the end of this year.