Mr. lam Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has had, and what studies he is aware of, on the possibility of public water fluoridation causing cancer.
§ Mr. John PattenThe theory that fluoridation of the water supply can cause cancer is principally advanced in the work of two American biochemists, Dr. Dean Burk and Dr. John Yiamouyiannis. Their data and conclusions have themselves been extensively studied (for example, Hoover, 1977; Kinlen and Doll, 1977; Oldham and Newell 1979; Kinlen and Doll 1981; Chilvers 1982 and 1983; Cook-Mozaffari et al 1981; Cook-Mozaffari and Doll 1981). None of the studies cited have supported the conclusions of Dr. Burk and Dr. Yiamouyiannis. In addition a number of studies have been carried out on different data sources from the United States and other countries to investigate the alleged link between fluoridation and cancer (for example, Hagan et al, USA 1959; Heasman and Martin, England 1962; Nixon and Carpenter, England 1974; Kinlen, England 1975; Kuzma et al, USA 1977; Raman et al, Canada 1977; Erickson, USA 1978; Rogot et al, USA 1978; Richards and Ford, Australia 1979; Goodall and Foster, New Zealand 1980). The results of all these studies were negative. Lord Jauncey considered in detail the evidence on the alleged link between fluoride and cancer during the Strathclyde fluoridation court case, at which Dr. Burk and Dr. Yiamouyiannis gave evidence. His conclusion was that
In summary fluoride at a concentration of 1 ppm (part per million) is not mutagenic, the biochemical evidence discloses no mechanism whereby it is likely to cause cancer and the epidemiological evidence discloses no association between the fluoridation of water supplies and an increased cancer death rate. Nothing is left so far as cancer mortality is concerned.Representations based on the work of Dr. Burk and Dr. Yiamouyiannis continue to be received by the Department.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received on the safety of public water fluoridation.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have received representations from health authorities, dental and medical organisations and members of the public in support of Lord Jauncey's confirmation in the Strathclyde fluoridation case in 1983 that fluoridation constitutes a safe and effective means of reducing dental decay. We have also continued to receive representations from organisations and members of the public opposed to fluoridation, suggesting that fluoridation gives rise to a wide variety of ailments, although these claims have not been substantiated.