Wednesday, 28 February 2018
The foetus may obtain fluoride from maternal intake since fluoride passes through the placenta.
This statement has been adopted in response to a query to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) regarding the safety of fluoride exposure for the developing foetus in Ireland. It should be read in conjunction with earlier advice from the FSAI Scientific Committee on Infant Feeding and Fluoridated Tap Water which is included in the Report of the Forum on Fluoridation.
At levels of fluoride intake observed in women in Ireland (FSAI, 2018) the only potential adverse effect of fluoride during development in early life relates to dental fluorosis.
The available evidence indicates that exposure to fluoride during foetal development in Ireland is not excessive and does not give rise to moderate or severe fluorosis of primary teeth. Therefore, there is currently no scientific basis for concerns about the safety of the developing foetus arising from exposure to fluoride in Ireland.
