Dept of Health confirms review of fluoridation of water supplies

Review by the Health Research Board will look at both national and international evidence on the impact of fluoridation


The Department of Health has confirmed that it has requested the Health Research Board to carry out a review of both national and international evidence of the impact of fluoridation of the public water supply on the health of the population.

In a statement, it said that the review would examine the evidence regarding the impact of water fluoridation at its current level of 0.6 to 0.8 parts per million on the health of the population and the environment.

The review, which will look at the evidence of both positive and negative impacts of fluoridation and will be based on a synthesis of published research, is due to get under way next mPoulaphouca Reservoir before it flows into the Liffey Works Water Treatment Plant Ballymore EustacePhoto: David Sleator/The Irish Timesonth and will be completed by December. On Monday, Cork County Council voted in favour of a motion calling on the Government to ban fluoridation on foot of a motion by Fianna Fáil's councillor Christopher O'Sullivan, seeking "the immediate cessation of fluoridation of the public water supply".

A campaign group, Fluoride Free Towns, said that the Government remained one of only two worldwide to implement a water fluoridation policy

Barry Roche

Barry Roche

Barry Roche is Southern Correspondent of The Irish Times