IT IS now clear that the Labour government plans to add fluoride to drinking water supplies in North Lancashire.
Fluoridation is an attack on civil liberties and medical ethics - the "patient" should have the right to refuse treatment.
Fluoride is a cumulative poison more toxic than lead, yet the government's 'safe' level of fluoride is 20 times the permitted level of lead in drinking water.
Health Minister Hazel Blears' recommendation that those opposed to the plans would be able to use filtered or bottled water is outrageous. Many people would not be able to afford to do this. We have a right to expect safe water on tap.
Most European governments oppose fluoridation because of the evidence that it kills red blood cells, harms the immune system, is associated with thyroid trouble and irritable bowel syndrome, and causes dental fluorosis.
Apart from these health risks, it isn't even certain that fluorid-ation reduces tooth decay.
Gateshead is fluoridated and has the same level of tooth decay as non-fluoridated but comparable Liverpool. Ireland is Europe's most fluoridated country, but doesn't have Europe's best teeth.
Fluoridation does not address the real causes. The solution is education, not fluoridation.
Cllr John Whitelegg, Bulk Ward
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