UK - Burnham stands down from flouride role

Burnham stands down from flouride role
Jane Kirby
June 18, 2009
NEW Health Secretary Andy Burnham has stepped down from his role as vice president of the Wigan-based British Fluoridation Society.The move was taken to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, health officials said.Some parts of England have agreed to add fluoride to the water to prevent tooth decay in children and the north west is preparing for a consultation.Mr Burnham is MP for Leigh. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: "Andy Burnham has held an honorary position with the British Fluoridation Society as vice president since 2004."Following his appointment as Secretary of State for Health he will be relinquishing this position as he appreciates that there could be a perceived conflict of interest.Effective"We believe that fluoridation is a scientifically supported and effective means of addressing health inequalities by reducing tooth decay in children and adults, especially those from poorer backgrounds."There is no question of central government imposing fluoridation. Decisions should be taken locally following consultations conducted in accordance with procedures approved by Parliament in 2005."The consultations should cover the benefits of fluoridation, any possible risks to health and the ethical arguments for and against a population based approach to improving health."Southampton decided to bring in fluoridation earlier this year but that decision is subject to a legal review. In the north east and West Midlands, fluoride has been added to water since the 1980s.