IT IS an issue which can set neighbour against neighbour, turn ordinary, quiet living folk into placard-carrying protesters and on which most people will never agree.

The vexed question of fluoride in our drinking water has been raised again - this time by the British Dental Association quoting shocking statistics of tooth decay among youngsters in our region.

The association places York at 118th and Scarborough at 134th in the nation's tooth decay league and says children in non-fluoridated areas like ours are four times more likely to have teeth extracted than those in fluoridated areas.

In areas where tooth decay rates are unacceptably high, the association is calling on the government to take action and extend water fluoridation.

The report is bound to prove controversial and reopen the big debate - does fluoridation work and is it safe?

For several decades the arguments have raged. Those in favour, including health authorities, have pooh-poohed the fervent anti-fluoride lobby's claims of certain health risks.

Supporters of the move say the chemical drastically reduces tooth decay.

Opponents claim its effectiveness is not proven and that it can have harmful side effects, including deafness, brittle bones in later life and even certain types of bone cancer.

In 1993, anti-fluoride campaigners formed a mass rally with banners outside the offices of York Waterworks to present a 5,000-signature petition against adding the chemical to our drinking water.

In 1995 protesters presented a 40,000-name petition to Yorkshire water. So far the water authorities have erred on the side of caution and withheld the chemical, quoting freedom of choice.

That is the real issue. Householders will not have the option to plump for "fluoridated" or "non-fluoridated" water.

The dental association's decay statistics are truly alarming but they are not enough to sway those concerned about the alleged side-effects of fluoride. Rather than be chided into adding fluoride to our water, the government should tell us - in words everyone can understand - everything that is known about the effects of additive.

Does it really prevent tooth decay?

Can it adversely affect our health?

Answer these questions and we can make up our own minds and vote accordingly.

Meanwhile there are several fluoride products readily available designed to help prevent tooth decay, along with regular brushing and teaching our children to avoid too many sugar-laden sweets.

see NEWS 'New drive to get flouride in water after decay claim'

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