§ Mr. Jim Lesterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures are being taken to monitor the effect of fluoride added to the water supply, especially in the Nottingham area, in order particularly to assess the cumulative effect over a period of years.
§ Mr. MoyleThe water supply in the fluoridated areas of Nottinghamshire is monitored to ensure that the concentration of fluoride is maintained at the required level within narrow limits of tolerance. For two years the teeth of children in these areas have been examined for dental decay by comparison with the teeth of children of the same ages in similar control areas. It is too soon for this comparison to have produced results on the protective effect of fluoride.
384WThe dental benefit of fluoride absorbed from drinking water and diet is obtained from the small amount retained in the body. There is no harmful cumulative effect from drinking water containing satisfactory levels of fluoride, whether present naturally or added in fluoridation.