Australia - Do you want fluoridated water?

Do you want fluoridated water?
December 6 |
To fluoridate or not to fluoridate … it’s a debate that has raged in Queensland for years. But now it looks like Sunshine Coast residents will be drinking fluoridated water as early as next year, after Premier Anna Bligh announced that her government will spend $35 million on a fluoridation program.
The move has been prompted by concerns that Queensland kids have the worst teeth in the country, but it has received a mixed reaction.
It has been welcomed by dentists, including Maleny’s Martin Webb, the outgoing president of the Queensland branch of the Australian Dental Association, who says the long-term savings far outweigh the initial cost.
But others – such as the group Professionals Against Water Fluoridation – claim that communities with water fluoridation suffer more fractures, lower IQ in children, decreased thyroid function, bone cancer, and the staining and pitting of tooth enamel.Local opponent Peter Keogh, of Bokarina, argues that putting fluoride in the state’s water supply is costly and inefficient, and it should be in added to bottled water instead.
What do you think of the plan to put fluoride in our water? Will the long-term savings outweight the initial cost? Do you believe it will improve that state of children’s teeth or are you concerned about the possible side-effects?


Posted by mchapman
on 6 December, 2007 at 3:04 p.m.
Seeing the gunk that comes out of my tap at home some days, flouride is the least of our worries.

Having said that, I grew up with flouridated water - as did everyone in my town - and no-one grew any extra limbs... that I remember anyway. Posted by judyedmo from Pelican Waters
on 6 December, 2007 at 3:53 p.m.
I cannot believe that anyone would object to flouride in our water. Flouride is good
for everyone's teeth - not just for kids.