92000E1434

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1434/00

by Malcolm Harbour (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(5 May 2000)

Subject: Water fluoridation

Across the European Union individual Member States are taking their own action against artificial water fluoridation. It is understood that Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy have all ceased fluoridation or refused to implement it on the grounds of scientific controversy and health concerns.

What action, if any, is the commission taking to investigate the effects of artificial water fluoridation on human health? What is the Commission's view on the concerns expressed by other Member States on the adverse effects of fluoridation? Does the Commission plan to introduce any directives on water fluoridation?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 2000)

Drinking water quality is regulated in the Community by Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption(1), which will be replaced by 25 December 2003 by the recently adopted new drinking water Directive 98/83/EC of the Council of 3 November 1998(2). In both Directives there is a limit concerning the maximum admissible concentration of fluoride in drinking water, regardless of its origin, i.e. naturally present or artificially added. The matter of fluoridation of water supplies lies within the Member States' responsibility and the Commission is not concerned as long as the maximum limit set out in the Directive is respected. The policy Member States follow on this matter depends on a number of factors taking into account local customs and habits and can be very different from one Member State to the other. Unquestionably, fluoridation is a controversial issue because of the positive or negative effects fluoride might have, depending on the concentration of the substance in the drinking water.

The limit set out in the drinking water Directive is 1,5 milligram per litre (mg/l), which according to the view of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as expressed in its drinking water quality guidelines represents a good balance between the positive and negative effects of fluoride. Positive effects start around 0,5 mg/l up to 2 mg/l. The more the concentration shifts upwards from 2 mg/l the more the risk of negative effects is increased i.e. dental fluorosis or even skeletal fluorosis at very high concentrations.

The Commission is not considering, at present, the revision of the legislation, as the new drinking water Directive has yet to be transposed (by 25 December 2000) and implemented. However, the Commission will examine if there is any new significant evidence since the adoption of the Directive, which can suggest a modification of the current position. In order to have an appropriate update on this matter, the Commission will consult its scientific committee on toxicity ecotoxicity and the environment.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.

(2) OJ L 330, 5.12.1998.