UK - Flouride in tap water decision due in months
Flouride in tap water decision due in months
Feb 5 2008 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post
HEALTH chiefs will decide within months whether to add fluoride to tap water across Merseyside in a bid to cut tooth decay in children.
The region's health authority is already carrying out an investigation into the cost and benefits of pumping the mineral into every home.
The move – which came ahead of a plea, to be made today by Health Secretary Alan Johnson, for fluoridation everywhere – will delight dental experts.
They point to evidence that tooth decay in children in poorer parts of Merseyside is nearly three times that of their peers in the likes of Birmingham, where fluoride is already added to tap water.
In Knowsley, the average five-year-old has 3.2 decaying, missing or filled teeth – the second worst record in England. In Birmingham, the figure is just 1.04.
St Helens and Halton (2.09) also has a bad record, but Liverpool (1.8), Wirral (1.65), Warrington (1.54), Sefton (1.45) and West Cheshire (1.38) fare much better.
Supporters argue fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, and reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria on the teeth.
But critics point to disputed studies linking fluoridation to bone cancer, hip fractures and higher levels of alumi-nium in the brain.
The National Pure Water Association calls it a "violation of human rights", arguing parents who fail to teach their children to brush their teeth can be targeted in other ways.
Fluoridation is also likely to run into opposition from Liberal Democrat-run Liverpool City Council, which has previously condemned the idea.
Today, Mr Johnson will remind health authorities they were given the power to add fluoride to water – subject to public backing – as long ago as 2003. But, in the North West, the 24 primary care trusts (PCTs) have already asked the regional health authority to investigate the move and to report back in April or May.
Anna Delves, project manager of the fluoride evaluation group, said: "The PCTs recognise it is difficult, and confusing, for them to make a decision alone.
"Therefore, we are looking into how easily it can be done and how much it will cost."
Today, Mr Johnson will highlight areas – such as Knowsley – where the benefits of fluoridation will be greatest and announce funding to help them press ahead.
He will say: "I want the NHS to do much more to prevent rather than just treat disease.”
Feb 5 2008 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post
HEALTH chiefs will decide within months whether to add fluoride to tap water across Merseyside in a bid to cut tooth decay in children.
The region's health authority is already carrying out an investigation into the cost and benefits of pumping the mineral into every home.
The move – which came ahead of a plea, to be made today by Health Secretary Alan Johnson, for fluoridation everywhere – will delight dental experts.
They point to evidence that tooth decay in children in poorer parts of Merseyside is nearly three times that of their peers in the likes of Birmingham, where fluoride is already added to tap water.
In Knowsley, the average five-year-old has 3.2 decaying, missing or filled teeth – the second worst record in England. In Birmingham, the figure is just 1.04.
St Helens and Halton (2.09) also has a bad record, but Liverpool (1.8), Wirral (1.65), Warrington (1.54), Sefton (1.45) and West Cheshire (1.38) fare much better.
Supporters argue fluoride strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay, and reduces the amount of acid produced by bacteria on the teeth.
But critics point to disputed studies linking fluoridation to bone cancer, hip fractures and higher levels of alumi-nium in the brain.
The National Pure Water Association calls it a "violation of human rights", arguing parents who fail to teach their children to brush their teeth can be targeted in other ways.
Fluoridation is also likely to run into opposition from Liberal Democrat-run Liverpool City Council, which has previously condemned the idea.
Today, Mr Johnson will remind health authorities they were given the power to add fluoride to water – subject to public backing – as long ago as 2003. But, in the North West, the 24 primary care trusts (PCTs) have already asked the regional health authority to investigate the move and to report back in April or May.
Anna Delves, project manager of the fluoride evaluation group, said: "The PCTs recognise it is difficult, and confusing, for them to make a decision alone.
"Therefore, we are looking into how easily it can be done and how much it will cost."
Today, Mr Johnson will highlight areas – such as Knowsley – where the benefits of fluoridation will be greatest and announce funding to help them press ahead.
He will say: "I want the NHS to do much more to prevent rather than just treat disease.”
posted by Bill at
9:54 AM
1 Comments:
Sodium fluoride is a poison. It was used by Hitler to dumb down inmates of concentration camps. It lowers IQ and exposes people to a range of diseases. It's harmful to teeth and even more harmful to teeth.
By
Anonymous, at 17 February, 2008
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