EUROPE SAYS 'NO' TO FLUORIDE CAMPAIGNERS
January 19, 2005 10:06 PM
Campaigners opposed to the addition of fluoride to local drinking water supplies have been told they can expect no help from Europe.
Although fluoride has been shown to reduce dental decay, its use in water supplies arouses fierce passions. Opposition groups claim that it amounts to forced medication, and claim that the agent used in British fluoridation schemes, hexafluorosilicic acid, is a dangerous pesticide.
Now the European Commission has stepped into the debate by refusing to ban fluoridation. Officials insist that it is up to the British Government to decide what may be added to drinking water supplies, so long as the chemicals used do not exceed legal limits agreed in EU law.
Replying to a parliamentary question tabled by North West Euro-MP Chris Davies, the Commission admits that fluoride taken in excessive quantities can be detrimental to human bones. But it argues that the most up to date scientific assessments suggest that levels used in Britain strike a good balance between the positive and negative effects of fluoride, and can be considered safe.
Every country within the European Union is required to monitor the content of drinking water supplies and make the information available to consumers. Across the North West of England fluoride is currently added to water supplies only in parts of Cheshire (Crewe) and West Cumbria.
MEP Chris Davies said that arguments about fluoridation aroused strong emotions on both sides.
"We add chemicals to drinking water to protect people's health but personally I am not comfortable with the idea of adding chemicals for medicinal purposes. Health policies should be designed to cut the use of sugary products that lead to dental decay rather than trying to
compensate for their consumption.
"The number one issue is to ensure that our drinking water is safe. Practices vary across Europe and while the European Commission has no axe to grind it is important that it keeps alert to any changes in scientific opinion."
ENDS
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