Did you know that the Southampton area is about to have fluoride (hexfluorosilicic acid) added to the water supply? A decision was made in February 2009 by the South Central Strategic Health Authority to add this chemical to the drinking water of a large part of Southampton, Eastleigh & Totton. During the recent consultation, 72% of respondents were opposed to the scheme. The best available evidence (including the York Review) does not show that water fluoridation is safe or effective (NHS Centre for Reviews & Dissemination (2000) A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. University of York).
Water fluoridation has been linked to health problems such as thyroid imbalance, bone problems and fluorosis (too much fluoride which causes children's teeth to become discoloured). Adding fluoride to the water would mean that bottle-fed babies would receive 250 times the fluoride level found in breast milk. 98% of Europe has rejected water fluoridation and the local community in the Southampton area is overwhelmingly opposed to the scheme. Southampton is a test case and if it goes ahead here, many other parts of the country will follow.
As a natural health practitioner, I am concerned about this and the potential for adverse health effects. A petition has been launched to ask Southampton City Council to review their original backing of the SHA's plan and to trigger another debate on the issue (important because from next year, local councils will take over responsibility for public health decisions). If you would like to sign the petition or find out more about the local campaign, please contact me.