What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element which can sometimes be found in untreated water as a result of coming into contact with rocks containing fluoride. It is both odourless and tasteless. Virtually all foodstuffs contain traces of fluoride. Fluoride can also be found in higher amounts in seawater (1.4 milligrams per litre or mg/L), soil (up to 300 parts per million or ppm), and tea leaves.
How much fluoride is added to drinking water?
To allow for expected fluctuations in flow rates and other factors, TasWater aims to maintain fluoride at a level between 0.8-1.1 mg/L.
Why is TasWater directed to fluoridate our water?
TasWater is directed to fluoridate drinking water supplies by the Minister of Health in accordance with the Fluoridation Act 1968. Fluoride is used to protect teeth against dental decay.
Is water fluoridation safe?
The 2016 National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Evidence Evaluation shows that water fluoridation helps to reduce tooth decay in children and adults. There is no reliable evidence that water fluoridation at current Australian levels causes health problems. To view the full paper, please visit the Department of Health (Environment Health) website.
Where is fluoride added in Tasmania?
The first fluoridated water supply in Australia was in Beaconsfield, Tasmania in 1953. About 96.6 per cent of TasWater customers receiving reticulated water are drinking from a fluoridated water supply. Generally the Department of Health will require fluoridation for any water system reaching a population of 500 or more.