Australia - Small crowd still dissents
OBJECTORS sent a clear message last night to those seeking to fluoridate Ballarat's water supply.
Labelling the process undemocratic and dangerous, they demanded an alternative for addressing the Grampians region's high rate of dental decay.
The small, but vocal, group of about 35 anti-fluoride campaigners made their feelings known during two community information sessions at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.
It was a small turn-out compared with similar meetings at Warrnambool, which attracted about 800 protestors.
Victoria's chief health officer Dr John Carnie fielded the majority of the questions from the floor, ranging from concerns about controlling dosage levels to whether kettles should be banned to avoid fluoride concentration build-
up.
Many objectors called for the introduction of free fluoride tablets at chemists and supermarkets as an alternative to what they described as "mass medication".
But Dr Carnie dismissed the idea, saying there was a greater risk of people overdosing, leading to mottling of the tooth enamel.
The State Government took the first step towards fluoridating Ballarat's water supply in December with a mass mail-out of an information booklet.
Yesterday's seminars were designed to address any further concerns.
But Vicki Rice of Ballarat said the information session had done nothing to ease her fears.
"I was worried and I haven't come away feeling convinced at this stage," she said.
Betty Wood moved with her husband to Ballarat 10 years ago because the region's water was not fluoridated.
"I have no qualms about people who want fluoride, but I do not believe in the mass medication of our water supply," she said.
Department of Human Services' Bram Alexander said the end to Ballarat's information sessions did not signal an end to community engagement.
"We are still talking to the community," he said.
He could not say when the decision would be made to fluoridate Ballarat's water.
Residents wanting more information about fluoride can phone the DHS on 1800 651 723.
Labelling the process undemocratic and dangerous, they demanded an alternative for addressing the Grampians region's high rate of dental decay.
The small, but vocal, group of about 35 anti-fluoride campaigners made their feelings known during two community information sessions at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.
It was a small turn-out compared with similar meetings at Warrnambool, which attracted about 800 protestors.
Victoria's chief health officer Dr John Carnie fielded the majority of the questions from the floor, ranging from concerns about controlling dosage levels to whether kettles should be banned to avoid fluoride concentration build-
up.
Many objectors called for the introduction of free fluoride tablets at chemists and supermarkets as an alternative to what they described as "mass medication".
But Dr Carnie dismissed the idea, saying there was a greater risk of people overdosing, leading to mottling of the tooth enamel.
The State Government took the first step towards fluoridating Ballarat's water supply in December with a mass mail-out of an information booklet.
Yesterday's seminars were designed to address any further concerns.
But Vicki Rice of Ballarat said the information session had done nothing to ease her fears.
"I was worried and I haven't come away feeling convinced at this stage," she said.
Betty Wood moved with her husband to Ballarat 10 years ago because the region's water was not fluoridated.
"I have no qualms about people who want fluoride, but I do not believe in the mass medication of our water supply," she said.
Department of Human Services' Bram Alexander said the end to Ballarat's information sessions did not signal an end to community engagement.
"We are still talking to the community," he said.
He could not say when the decision would be made to fluoridate Ballarat's water.
Residents wanting more information about fluoride can phone the DHS on 1800 651 723.
posted by Bill at
10:20 AM
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