DHS sells fluoride to board in private talk

By Geelong Story Updates
Health officials have met Barwon Water to discuss fluoridation of the region.
Department of Human Services sent one of its dentists to the meeting with Barwon Water board members last week ahead of the arrival of fluoride to Geelong taps in 2011.
In a statement to the Independent yesterday, Barwon Water chairman Stephen Vaughan said the department had briefed his organisation about “the benefits of fluoridated water supplies”.
The briefing followed State Government announcing in June plans to connect Geelong to Melbourne’s fluoridated water supply.
The pipe will supply up to 16,000 of megalitres a year to a reservoir at Lovely Banks by 2011.
The reservoir supplies Geelong’s northern suburbs.
“This water would be fluoridated,” Mr Vaughan said in the statement.
“Discussions between Barwon Water and the Department of Human Services are ongoing.”
Mr Vaughan did not return the Independent’s call for more information about the meeting before the paper went to press yesterday afternoon.
But DHS spokesperson Bram Alexander said the department had told the board fluoride was the “missing piece” in the jigsaw of dental health in Geelong.
“We believe fluoride is safe and effective, that’s why it’s government policy that fluoridation is extended to areas of Victoria that don’t have it,” he said.
Mr Alexander said health authorities had “batted away” the arguments of activists opposed to fluoridation.
The studies activists cited against fluoridation “simply don’t stand up”.
“There is no evidence to support their claims,” Mr Alexander said.
However, other research had found that children in areas without fluoride had 36 per cent more dental cavities, he said.
Mr Alexander said the Barwon Water board was “very interested” in the department’s presentation.
He urged anyone wanting the “facts” on fluoride to phone the department’s advice line on 1800 651 723 or visit www.health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/fluoridation.
Opponents to fluoridation have run a long, ongoing campaign against addition of fluoride to the region’s water supply.
The opponents say fluoridation poses health risks and is an infringement on the right to unadulterated water and to refuse mass medication.
Supporters, including many health professionals, argue fluoridation is essential for the region.
The supporters play down health risks and say fluoridation would lead to significant improvements in the dental health of the region’s water consumers, particularly children.