Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if, despite the fact that our national water supply has been artificially fluoridated for the past 49 years, there has been any testing of the chemicals for their safety on human health; if so, when this took place; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16692/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Health (Fluoridation of Water Supplies) Act, 1960 provides for the fluoridation of public piped water supplies. The fluoride currently used is sourced as a primary product; it is mined directly from a raw material source, the mineral fluorospar as calcium fluoride (CaF2). It then goes through a purification process to conform to tightly controlled specifications under the requirements of CEN Standard I.S.EN 12175:2001 to produce hydrofluorosilicic acid, specifically used as the mineral additive, fluoride, to water. The consumer does not come into contact with the fluoridating agent. When added to water in the correct amount the acid dissolves and dissociates completely, releasing fluoride ions into the water.