Getting to the tooth of the matter

by Councillor John lamb

While it is true that tooth decay in children is at unacceptable levels in parts of the borough it is also true that there is conflicting scientific views on the desirability of adding fluoride to our water supplies to combat the problem.

Soon the NHS will begin consultation on whether or not to add fluoride to the water supplies in Trafford. Earlier this year Trafford Council passed a resolution opposing fluoridation of water supplies. The motion drew attention to the fact that more needs to be understood about the implications for the rest of the population of adding potentially harmful substances to our drinking water.

If this sounds scaremongering then it is worth noting that the water companies have insisted upon (and obtained) an indemnity from the Secretary of State for Health relating to any claims that may be made against the water companies “in respect of any death or personal injury, or loss of or damage to property” as a result of adding fluoride to drinking water.

My personal view is to oppose the adding of substances to our water supplies. Currently chlorine is added to disinfect the water as it travels through miles of underground pipes before reaching our taps and this is a public health safeguard that we all benefit from. The problem with fluoridation is that it is a form of mass medication that the vast majority of us do not need. It is surely better to look at remedies that target the medicine to where it is needed and encourage those responsible for children to make sure they look after their teeth.

In an age where we have become a great deal more aware of the additives in our food, adding potentially harmful substances to our drinking water seems at odds with the prevailing attitude of purity in what we eat and drink.