High Court rules water fluoridation not unlawful
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- Published: Wednesday, 16 February 2011 15:28
- Written by News Editor
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The British Dental Association (BDA) welcomed the decision. Commenting on the outcome, BDA Scientific Adviser Professor Damien Walmsley said: “The BDA is pleased with the result because it is likely to encourage consultation on similar schemes in other parts of the country where fluoride could help address the poor dental health of the population. A recent European summary of the latest scientific evidence reiterated the view that water fluoridation is a safe and effective method of reducing oral health inequalities.”
The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) also welcomed the High Court’s decision. Chief Executive, Dr Nigel Carter, said he hoped it would lead to more of the country’s health authorities following suit. He commented: "The verdict will be of a great benefit to an area where tooth decay amongst under-fives has been a problem. Though there has been opposition, robust scientific research supports the fact that fluoride significantly improves oral health and there is no evidence to suggest that it can have any negative impact on overall health.
“Fluoride was added to the Birmingham supply in 1964 and the difference in dental health compared to the neighbouring population in non-fluoridated Sandwell was stark. When Sandwell’s water was fluoridated in 1987 it transformed levels of oral health, putting a poor borough amongst the top ten areas for dental health in the country."
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