Matthew Hopcraft writes in The Conversation (12.7.17) that, despite what the evidence says, myths that fluoridated water isn’t natural, safe, doesn’t work and shouldn’t be used to make up infant formula still persist.
‘Evidence gathered over 60 years about adding fluoride to drinking water has failed to convince some people this major public health initiative is not only safe but helps to prevent tooth decay.
‘Myths about fluoridated water persist. These include fluoride isn’t natural, adding it to our water supplies doesn’t prevent tooth decay and it causes conditions ranging from cancer to Down syndrome.
‘Now the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is in the process of updating its evidence on the impact of fluoridated water on human health since it last issued a statement on the topic in 2007.
‘… Adding fluoride to tap water to prevent tooth decay is one of our greatest public health achievements, with evidence gathered over more than 60 years showing it works and is safe. This latest review, tailored to Australia, adds to that evidence.’
- Four myths about water fluoridation and why they’re wrong »
- NHMRC: Water fluoridation and human health in Australia »
- Fluoride in water doesn’t lower IQ or cause cancer, says health agency »
- Queensland councils abandon water fluoridation en masse, against dentists’ advice »
- Law change urged to address Qld’s poor fluoridation rate »
- Dentists and doctors call on Palaszczuk government to mandate fluoride in Queensland drinking water
- Over 90 per cent of Australians have fluoridated water, but the public health policy has become a political headache in Queensland
- Less than 75% of Queenslanders have access to fluoridated water – and it’s putting oral health at risk