Australia - Doctor warns against fluoridation

Doctor warns against fluoridation
An anti-fluoride campaigner says a New South Wales far south coast council should shelve a proposal to fluoridate all of the shire's drinking water.
The Bega Valley Shire Council and New South Wales Health are designing a community consultation program about fluoridation after inquiries from residents and dentists.
Drinking water in Bega, Kalaru and Tathra is already fluoridated, but the rest of the shire's water is without it.
But Dr Mark Diesendorf, from the University of NSW Institute for Environmental Studies, says the council needs to be careful how it proceeds with the consultation.
He says there is a lot of scientific evidence that fluoridation can damage bones and affect the central nervous system.
"I really think that with all the evidence against fluoridation now they should not be pushing it at all," he said.
"There's a whole range of ill effects being identified.
"At this stage in the game it is entirely irresponsible for health departments to be pushing this thing."
The council says while it recognises some sections of the community oppose fluoridation, there is strong evidence for its safety and effectiveness.