Response to Australian water fluoridation draft

Response to Australian water fluoridation draft information paper

Fluoridation of water is effective in reducing the occurrence and severity of tooth decay and it does not cause harm at the levels it is added to the Australian water supply, according to the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government. They have released a draft information paper for consultation today providing a summary of evidence and key findings. The conclusions align with those of a similar report released by the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2014. https://consultations.nhmrc.gov.au/public_consultations/water-fluoridation-dental

“While we have not reviewed the draft information paper in depth as yet, it is encouraging that the Australian paper has concluded that fluoridation of water is important in reducing tooth decay and levels in the Australian water supply do not cause harm. This is in line with our own report on fluoridation in New Zealand which concluded fluoridation used in New Zealand creates no health risks and provides protection against tooth decay. Councils in New Zealand currently implementing this measure can be confident about its public health benefits, while those not currently fluoridating water can consider it a safe and effective option. We look forward to reading at the paper in more depth,” Emeritus Professor Richard Bedford said today.

The New Zealand review, entitled Health Effects of Water Fluoridation: a Review of the Scientific Evidence www.royalsociety.org.nz/fluoridation was commissioned by Sir Peter Gluckman, the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor and Sir David Skegg, who was President of the Royal Society of New Zealand at the time, at the request of Auckland City on behalf of several local Councils.

ENDS

Background information

About the Royal Society of New Zealand

The Royal Society of New Zealand offers expert advice to government and the public, recognises excellence in research and scholarship in science, technology and humanities, promotes science and technology education, publishes peer-reviewed journals, administers funds for research and fosters international scientific contact and co-operation.

www.royalsociety.org.nz

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