Title: HHS Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for Prevention of Dental Caries
Subject of Planned Report: Recommended fluoride content (mg/L) in community water systems to prevent dental caries (tooth decay)
Purpose of Planned Report: To update and replace previous U.S. Public Health Service recommendations for adjusted fluoride concentration in drinking water to prevent dental caries, because of new data that address the prevalence of dental fluorosis, fluid intake among children, and the contribution of fluoride in drinking water to total fluoride exposure in the United States.
Type of Dissemination: Influential Scientific Information
Timing of Review: July – November, 2012
Type of Review: Individual
Opportunities for the Public to Comment: The HHS recommendation (proposed) was made available for public comment on January 13, 2011. The 30 day public comment period was extended through April 15, 2011.
Peer Reviewers Provided with Public Comments before the Review: Yes
Anticipated Number of Reviewers: 3
Primary Disciplines or Expertise: Epidemiology, oral epidemiology, environmental health, metabolism and effects of fluoride on teeth
Reviewers Selected by: HHS Federal Panel on Community Water Fluoridation
Public Nominations Requested for Reviewers: No
Charge to Peer Reviewers: A notice by the Department of Health and Human Services, Proposed HHS Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for Prevention of Dental Caries, was published in the Federal Register (FR) on January 11, 2011. This notice provides new guidance supported by available scientific information. The original document published in January 2011 has been revised with addition of the HHS Inter-Agency Panel’s review of public comments and supporting references. We are requesting your critical review to determine if the revised document (HHS Recommendation for Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water for Prevention of Dental Caries) is consistent with available scientific information. For purposes of this guidance, the optimal concentration of fluoride in drinking water provides the best balance of protection from dental caries while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis.
As you review both documents (original FR notice and summary of public comments), please assess whether any key studies have been left out or, in your opinion, misinterpreted--and whether the conclusions are appropriate, given the evidence. Please consider the information on cumulative sources of fluoride exposure and risk of severe dental fluorosis among children, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and referenced in the document. These EPA assessments were externally peer-reviewed prior to publication in December 2010. In addition, please remember that final decisions on policy related to the fluoride concentration in drinking water to prevent dental caries remain within the purview of government. This review focuses on the scientific information that serves as a foundation for such policy.
Specific questions for your consideration include:
Last Revised: 12/13/12