Calling for an End to Water Fluoridation in the Republic of Ireland

97% of western Europe has chosen fluoride-free water.

Contrary to previous belief, fluoride has minimal benefit when swallowed.

Fluoridated water is no longer recommended for babies.

There are better ways of delivering fluoride than adding it to water.

Ingestion of fluoride has little benefit, but many risks.

The industrial chemicals used to fluoridate water may present unique health risks not found with naturally-occurring fluoride complexes.

Water fluoridation’s benefits to teeth have been exaggerated.

Fluoridation poses added burden and risk to low-income communities.

Due to other sources, many people are being over-exposed to fluoride.

Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication (to prevent tooth decay). All other treatment chemicals are added to treat the water (to improve the water's quality and safety - which fluoride does not do). This is one of the reasons why most of Europe has rejected fluoridation.

In Germany, "The argumentation of the Federal Ministry of Health against a general permission of fluoridation of drinking water is the problematic nature of compulsion medication."

In Belgium, it is "the fundamental position of the drinking water sector that it is not its task to deliver medicinal treatment to people. This is the sole responsibility of health services."

In Luxembourg, "In our views, drinking water isn't the suitable way for medicinal treatment and that people needing an addition of fluoride can decide by their own to use the most appropriate way."

For further information and references please visit www.fluoridealert.org