Written question asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Warner (Labour) on Monday, 24 July 2006.

Water Fluoridation

Question: What is their policy for research into water fluoridation following the report in March 2006 by the United States National Research Council, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards, which highlighted possible adverse effects on health in finding the current maximum contaminant level to be too high.

Answer: The Department of Health wanted to consider the findings of this major American research project before commissioning further research. The report's main recommendation, that the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended maximum fluoride concentration for drinking water of 4 milligrams per litre should be lowered, is not directly relevant to the United Kingdom where, under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000, concentrations must not exceed 1.5 milligrams per litre. We will, however, be taking the National Research Council's other recommendations into account in the development of our own research programme.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7084; 684 c240WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Fluoridation
Monday, 1 October 2007
Written questions
House of Lords; Fluoridation
Monday, 1 October 2007
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Thursday, 12 July 2007
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Subjects: Health hazards Drinking water Research Fluoride
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk