Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015
466. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will provide an update in relation to the fluoridation of water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40663/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWater fluoridation is the adjustment of a naturally occurring element found in water in order to prevent tooth decay. Dental fluorosis, the only known side effect of water fluoridation, is not a "birth defect", as claimed in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy, but a cosmetic or aesthetic condition which refers to the way teeth look. It is not considered to be an adverse health effect. 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 was conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) on behalf of the Department. This review was published by the HRB in June 2015. The HRB has found no definitive evidence that community water fluoridation is associated with negative health effects.
