Palerang residents will have a chance to have their say on fluoridation of reticulated water supplies, as it was recommended that Council undertake a public consultation exercise on the issue for the urban water supply systems at Bungendore, Braidwood and Captains Flat.
Last Thursday's Council meeting was addressed by John Irving, Project Manager Oral Health with NSW Health stating the case for fluoridation. 92% of NSW water supplies are fluoridated, and NSW Health would pay for 100% of the capital costs, and Council would pay for recurrent costs. The report says that "operational costs of $20,000 spread across the three water supply schemes will be relatively insignificant but will increase water charges by 1-2%"
Mr Irving said that for every $1 invested, $38 are saved in dental costs.
The report to Council stated that "The optimum level in water to achieve best results in temperate climates such as ours, is about one part per million (1ppm). Fluoride is the 13th most common element on Earth and occurs naturally in the air, soil and water. From the results of regular testing, fluoride is present in our water supplies at considerably less than the desirable 1ppm. The amounts present are as follows: Captains Flat < 0.1ppm, Bungendore 0.4-0.5ppm, Braidwood 0.1-0.2ppm."
"Water fluoridation has seen a remarkable decline in dental decay in NSW since it was introduced in 1956. In that time Australia has fallen from having amongst the worst tooth decay levels in the OECD countries, to having near the best."
The report also included information from Choice magazine's March 2007 article, which while supporting fluoridation makes comment on 'Fluoride's downside', including that Fluoride is definitely poisonous, but only if dosages are not controlled. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, a condition where the enamel surface of teeth becomes mottled in appearance - most fluorosis is very mild and doesn't damage teeth. It may to be associated with kids swallowing too much tooth paste, or parents giving them fluoride supplements. High amounts of fluoride can also cause fluorosis of the bones, increasing risk of fracture.
The period of public consultation is proposed to be for the two month period up to Friday 14 December 2007. A report on the submissions would be brought to the Council meeting in late February 2008 for Council to make a decision on whether to introduce fluoridation or not.
More information on www.health.nsw.gov.au, www.fluoridenow.com.au, www.ada.org.au.
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