Debate on fluoride in water

Health service leaders in Telford & Wrekin are highlighting what they claim are the benefits of adding fluoride to water supplies to fight tooth decay.

The controversial issue was raised briefly yesterday at a meeting of the borough primary care trust board. Chairman Brian Taylor said Telford & Wrekin was one of the few areas in the West Midlands where the water was not fluoridated.

He asked whether representations over the matter were still being made to the strategic health authority.

Public health director Dr Catherine Woodward said there had been previous discussions within the primary care trust about the benefits of fluoridation.

But she said members also had to be mindful that there were people who had concerns over the issue.

Dr Andy Inglis said that in relation to dental health, the benefits of fluoridation were significant.

Dr Woodward said a report on the subject would be brought to the trust board in in the near future.

In the meantime it was agreed that the need for fluoridation should be included in the trust's operational plan for the coming year.

This sets out its priorities, and how they will be achieved, and will be submitted to the strategic health authority this month.

The Water Act 2003 allows health authorities to compel water companies to add fluoride to drinking water in the interests of cutting decay in children's teeth.

Supporters of fluoridation point to data which shows that in areas of the country which are fluoridated, levels of decay are much lower.

But Shropshire has a strong anti-fluoridation lobby which says that fluoride is a chemical and people should have the choice of whether or not they use it.

Previous moves to introduce it to Shropshire, which is fluoride-free apart from a small area of the Bridgnorth district, have run into fierce opposition.

In 2004 Shrewsbury councillors agreed to lobby the Government over the "gross infringement of civil liberties" caused by fluoridation and claimed it would "poison" the borough's water supply.

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris