Midlands: Water fluoridation

Supporters say it means you may never need visit the dentist again. Opponents describe it as deliberate pollution of the water supply.

Fluoride could be added to the drinking water of another 13m people

Adding fluoride to the water supply has been controversial since it began in Birmingham 40 years ago.

Now, proposals in the Water Bill could mean millions more Midlanders having fluoride added to their water supply.

By next summer Fluoride could be added to the drinking water of another 13m people under plans by Ministers to supply major cities with the chemical.

A new amendment to the Water Bill which is currently in Parliament will force water companies to add fluoride to water supplies, smoothing the way for the largest extension of fluoridation for almost 50 years.

Opponents have condemned the moves, accusing Ministers of mass medication by stealth and a 'nanny state' mentality.

Adverse reactions

Good nutrition, good oral hygiene equals good teeth Sue King

Campaigner Sue King from Leicestershire claims fluoride has been linked to adverse health affects including cancer, brittle bones and thyroid disease and can cause teeth to mottle.

"Tooth decay is not contagious, it is none life threatening and an entirely avoidable condition.

"Good nutrition, good oral hygiene equals good teeth.

"The Government doesn't have the right to medicate any of us without our individual consent."

France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Holland have all rejected mass water fluoridation.

The Belgian government last year even outlawed the sale of fluoride tablets and chewing gum, as concerns over its safety persist.

A way of cutting high rates of tooth decay among youngsters

Reducing tooth decay

The UK Government, however, views its introduction as a way of cutting high rates of tooth decay among youngsters in deprived neighbourhoods.

Advocates point to research revealing that children's teeth are three times healthier in and around Birmingham where fluoride is used compared to Manchester where it is not.

I don't see a civil liberties argument about fluoridation Alun McMichael

Alun McMichael a consultant in public health dentistry said, "piped water is actually a community resource.

"It is there for everybody's benefit. Fluoride for healthy teeth is a community resource.

"I think if you live in a society... you should be willing to accept the both the convenience and the small sacrifices.

"I don't see a civil liberties argument about fluoridation."

Last year the Medical Research Council published a report which backed the benefits of fluoridation for dental health.

The report said there was no evidence of a link between fluoride in drinking water and cancer.

A response to the report is expected from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Dental Officer later this autumn.

The Politics Show

Is Labour Losing touch with its Midland heartlands?

John Hess reports from the Party Conference in Bournemouth.

Labour is rediscovering pavement politics in Mansfield.

Sally Higgins, chairman of Mansfield Labour Party is no stranger to the locals ... she was a long serving councillor here until the voters detonated a political bombshell.

Sally Higgins was a political casualty ... one of dozens of Labour councillors in Mansfield who overnight lost their powerbase.

Ms Higgins said, "I'll be upfront. We were shell shocked. and astounded by the number of seats we lost.

"I thought the Independents would pick up 5 or 6 seats.

"It was devastating for them to take so many ."

Not a flash in the pan

Tony Eggington says his election as Mansfield's non party Independent Mayor was no flash in the pan.

Labour had simply lost touch with the people.

Mayor Eggington said, "They were complacent. The majority of them did not live in their wards.

"Voters in Mansfield said we don't even know who our councillor is."

Labour took a real bashing in Mansfield .Voters either stayed away from the polls or switched age old loyalties.

In Stoke, an independent Mayor is also running the council.

And there is an Independent MP, retired doctor Richard Taylor, who took Wyre Forest off Labour in the General Election.

But was that a short term blip or is something more fundamental happening?

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