- A long-standing debate on fluoridation has been re-kindled
in Bolton after a new Government report called for more research into its
large-scale use.
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- A long-awaited study was published by the Medical Research
Council which called for more research into fluoridation and its possible
connection with cancer.
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- The report was eagerly awaited by all groups, both for
and against fluoridation. Proposals to add the substance to Bolton's water
supply are being considered by health chiefs in the town.
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- Cllr Bob Ronson, from Horwich, who has been a major campaigner
against adding fluoride to the town's water supply, said: "Bolton
has a long history of being against fluoridation. We have found out that
only 15 per cent of children will even benefit from fluoridation. I am
dead against it. There needs to be more research done."
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- The report says much of the evidence supporting the benefits
of fluoride comes from research carried out decades ago.
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- Experts have called for new studies to look at a person's
individual exposure to fluoride, and to work out if people can absorb fluoride
from other natural ways.
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- The report also wants studies to look at the differences
between hard and soft water, and the extent of teeth discolouring because
of fluoride over-use, called fluorosis.
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- The Medical Research Council experts have also called
for an investigation into whether fluoride affects people suffering from
hip fractures.
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- They also recommended an "updated analysis of the
data on fluoridation and cancer rates, and suggest that new studies on
the cause of bone cancer could easily include an assessment of exposure
to fluoride".
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- Dr Paul Harrison, Director of the MRC Institute for Environment
and Health, said: "There's no reason to think that water fluoridation
is responsible for any adverse health effects.
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- "But there is a lack of research on some important
aspects, which is why we are highlighting the need for more research."
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- Bolton is the only town in the country to have held a
referendum, with local people overwhelmingly voting against fluoride in
1992.
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- But health leaders say it is the most effective way to
reach children with tooth decay.
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- Public Health Minister Hazel Blears said the Government
would now take steps to research the absorption of fluoride, as recommended
by the MRC.
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