Euro MP slams fluoride plans

7:32am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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By Lucy Clark »

CONTROVERSIAL plans to add flouride to Southampton's water supply have been condemned by a green MEP.

Just weeks after Prime Minister Gordon Brown insisted water fluoridation would benefit the city's residents, Green MEP Dr Caroline Lucas, pictured above right, paid a personal visit to health chiefs to condemn the proposals.

In February Health Secretary Alan Johnson pledged an extra £14m for health authorities that want to add fluoride to their water supplies to boost dental health and the Prime Minister said he had "seen the benefits of fluoridation".

Dr Lucas has demanded the proposals to add the chemical to Southampton's water be dropped.

She said: "Water fluoridation has simply not been proven to be effective for teeth, particularly when the bad effects of dental fluorosis are taken into account.

"Furthermore, many studies have indicated links between water fluoridation and serious ill-health effects, including thyroid problems, skeletal fluorosis, bone cancers and mental problems.

"Finally, putting fluoride in our water amounts to mass medication of the population.

"This directly contravenes the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, and is contrary to medical ethics.

"We are seeking a legal opinion on its further contravention of the Medicines Directive."

Dr Lucas delivered a letter to bosses at the South Central Strategic Health Authority (SHA) urging them to dismiss fluoridation.

A campaign group has already been set up to fight fluoridation.

Southampton City Primary Care Trust (PCT) is supporting the move The SHA is carrying out a feasibility study into the practicalities of adding extra fluoride and is due to report back to the PCT this summer.

If it gives fluoridation the thumbs-up there will be a public consultation.