Madam, - Mary Hilary (January 3rd) expressed some environmental concerns regarding water fluoridation. The independent evidence-based body the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health would like to emphasise that water fluoridation has had a significant positive impact on the oral health of the Irish population since its introduction over 40 years ago.
There has been a highly significant reduction in decayed, missing and filled teeth in Ireland for children living in areas supplied by fluoridated drinking water compared with non-fluoridated areas. We estimate that, if water fluoridation stopped, the nation's dental health would deteriorate over time to where the average 5-year-old could expect to have four or five more decayed, missing or filled teeth.
As of July 1st 2007, the level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at 0.6 to 0.8 parts per million. This level is deemed best for protecting the oral health of all age groups with no adverse health effects.
It should also be noted that fluoride occurs naturally in water and soil. The proportion of fluoride in streams, rivers and lakes in Ireland that arises from water fluoridation is likely to be very low and, based on recent environmental studies, there is no evidence of any adverse effects on the environment in Ireland from fluoridation.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a National Implementation Report to provide information on a range of elements and compounds found in water, including fluoride. The statutory standards are stringent and consistent with the recommendations of the EU Commission's Advisory Scientific Committee on Toxicity. Ecotoxicity and the Environment (SCTEE). Examination of the EPA data indicates compliance in excess of 99 per cent for fluoride.
Water fluoridation is one of the most widely studied public policy initiatives in the world with approximately 350 million people in some 60 countries globally living in areas served by optimally fluoridated water supplies.
The effectiveness of water fluoridation in preventing tooth decay continues to be endorsed by a comprehensive range of authoritative international bodies including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, no credible evidence has emerged to link water fluoridation at recommended optimal levels in Ireland to any disease. In May 2007, the WHO renewed its call for governments throughout the world to consider using water fluoridation was an efficient public health measure. - Yours, etc,
Dr SEAMUS O'HICKEY, Chairman, The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.