Ireland - Parties bite back on fluoride issue
Parties bite back on fluoride issue
Sunday, September 30, 2007
By Joe Oliver
Ulster's chief medical officer will have his work cut out to re-ignite the debate over fluoride in tap water.
Dr Michael McBride (right) recently called for "informed public discussion and debate" on the issue after warning that the level of tooth decay among 12-year-olds here was almost THREE TIMES the national average.
But he still has some way to go to persuade the major political parties to follow in the footsteps of the Republic and introduce a programme of water fluoridation.
The two major parties are opposed to it - although the DUP believes all available evidence should be examined. But Sinn Fein remains implacably opposed, claiming links have been made between fluoridation and cancer, neurological impairment and bone pathology. A party spokesman added: "The chemical used in fluoridation contains 22 contaminates including lead, arsenic and uranium, which are poisonous and believed to be behind the high rate in Ireland of irritable bowel syndrome."
A DUP spokesman said the party had been reluctant to see fluoride added to the water supply, recognising the views of individuals opposed to what they regard as being medicated without their consent.
"However, there is undoubtedly research indicating positive health benefits and we have a responsibility to examine all the up-to-date information," he said.
The SDLP has no firm policy on fluoridation and the Ulster Unionist Party, while opposed in the past, would also examine any new scientific evidence. But Alliance spokesman Ian Williamson told us: "Our policy is that we are against the fluoridation of the water supply. We believe it is important that the individual is allowed to decide for themselves."
The controversy is expected to be aired in the Assembly and Dr McBride has the support of the British Dental Association.
But local environmentalist Walter Graham said yesterday: "Ulster said 'no' to fluoridation in 1996 when 25 out of 26 local councils gave it the thumbs down. Given continuing health concerns, it is not an issue that needs to be revisited."
slnews@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Sunday, September 30, 2007
By Joe Oliver
Ulster's chief medical officer will have his work cut out to re-ignite the debate over fluoride in tap water.
Dr Michael McBride (right) recently called for "informed public discussion and debate" on the issue after warning that the level of tooth decay among 12-year-olds here was almost THREE TIMES the national average.
But he still has some way to go to persuade the major political parties to follow in the footsteps of the Republic and introduce a programme of water fluoridation.
The two major parties are opposed to it - although the DUP believes all available evidence should be examined. But Sinn Fein remains implacably opposed, claiming links have been made between fluoridation and cancer, neurological impairment and bone pathology. A party spokesman added: "The chemical used in fluoridation contains 22 contaminates including lead, arsenic and uranium, which are poisonous and believed to be behind the high rate in Ireland of irritable bowel syndrome."
A DUP spokesman said the party had been reluctant to see fluoride added to the water supply, recognising the views of individuals opposed to what they regard as being medicated without their consent.
"However, there is undoubtedly research indicating positive health benefits and we have a responsibility to examine all the up-to-date information," he said.
The SDLP has no firm policy on fluoridation and the Ulster Unionist Party, while opposed in the past, would also examine any new scientific evidence. But Alliance spokesman Ian Williamson told us: "Our policy is that we are against the fluoridation of the water supply. We believe it is important that the individual is allowed to decide for themselves."
The controversy is expected to be aired in the Assembly and Dr McBride has the support of the British Dental Association.
But local environmentalist Walter Graham said yesterday: "Ulster said 'no' to fluoridation in 1996 when 25 out of 26 local councils gave it the thumbs down. Given continuing health concerns, it is not an issue that needs to be revisited."
slnews@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
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