Could water fluoridation be effective in tackling dental decay in children?

Public Health responds to main concerns, but critics question if history will repeat itself

Research exploring the pros and cons of possible water fluoridation is expected to be published soon, but Public Health Isle of Man insists there are currently no plans to fluoridate the Island's water supply.

Critics have been voicing their concerns with questions about whether this approach would be effective as part of government intentions to reduce dental decay in children.

In April last year, the Council of Ministers tasked Public Health with compiling a paper bringing to light new evidence of benefits and drawbacks.

But petitioner Iain Mack says he's confident it won't be pursued:

Public Health Isle of Man has published a list of FAQs addressing a number of items that appear to be of particular concern.

The petitioner discusses toxicity of the chemical, which the World Health Organisation says inadequate amounts, or excess consumption of, can cause toxic effects, which is acknowledged by Public Health.

It says 'as with most, if not all chemicals, very high levels can be toxic, but no significant health risks have been found in relation to water, provided it's fluoridated within recommended levels'.

Recommended levels, according to the WHO, sit around 1.5 mg/l.

Public Health stresses this is just research and information gathering to give politicians the most 'up-to-date' evidence, so they can make an 'informed' decision.

Fluoridation of water is understood to reduce decay in primary teeth by 35 percent, and in permanent teeth by between 26 and 70 percent.

In the past, other countries that have implemented fluoridation of water have been legally challenged, with some being escalated to the Supreme Court, but Public Health outright says the move does not conflict with human rights laws.

It goes on to say there are specific exemptions for legislation that is for 'the protection of public health', of which water fluoridation is part of.

Meanwhile, Douglas advocate Ian Kermode believes: "Bodily autonomy is also a protected human right and fluoridation will potentially violate this right and be susceptible to legal challenge under the European Convention on Human Rights."

Estimates suggest if this proposal was progressed, it would cost in the region of £1-1.5 million for the initial setup, and approximately £50-£75,000 per year afterwards.

Questions have been asked about whether this targeted approach of tackling dental decay in children will be effective, and if young people will be exposed to enough water for the chemical to make a difference.

Public Health believes there is, after it recently completed a study which found the majority of children aged between 4 and 6, drink more than three glasses of tap water per day, and concludes they do consume enough to make the fluoridation effective.

But concerns remain over the motive behind this exploration as a whole, as dentist Dr Mark Hepworth thinks: "This method of tooth decay reduction is being suggested purely to save costs and resources."

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Public Health's statement in full to Manx Radio: