UK report recommends further research on water fluoridation and health

doi:10.1136/bmj.325.7364.564/b

BMJ 2002;325:564 ( 14 September )

News roundup

UK report recommends further research on water fluoridation and health

Susan Mayor London

Further research on the health effects of adding fluoride to drinking water is needed�especially studies of people�s total exposure to fluoride, a working group set up by the Medical Research Council recommended in a report published last week.

Fluoride has been added to piped drinking water in some areas of the United Kingdom, as well as in other countries, for several decades to improve dental health. However, public support for the measure has wavered after claims that water fluoridation might be associated with health problems.

The Department of Health asked the council�s working group to identify areas of uncertainty on the balance of risks of water fluoridation and to recommend research needed to clarify the situation.

Dr Paul Harrison, acting director of the council�s Institute for Environment and Health, Leicester, who chaired the group, said: "There is no reason to think that water fluoridation . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

Fluoride and Lead: Alan Challoner
bmj.com, 15 Sep 2002 [Full text]
Dental fluorisis: stolen smiles - ruined lives.: Jane Jones
bmj.com, 15 Sep 2002 [Full text]
MRC Report lacks scientific rigour.: George Glasser
bmj.com, 18 Sep 2002 [Full text]
Look At The Diet: Paul S. Beeber
bmj.com, 20 Sep 2002 [Full text]
Electric toothbrushes need further research: Phillip J. Colquitt
bmj.com, 24 Sep 2002 [Full text]
Science proper?: Wendy Small, et al.
bmj.com, 29 Sep 2002 [Full text]