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duce damaging concentrations of fluoride by oral methods. Moreover,
it has been demonstrated that fluoride has beneficial effects
in forms of skeletal decay and that regeneration of bone occurs
under treatment without adverse effects on the mineral balances
of the body. Bone porosity is reduced and a decrease in the incidence
of fractures has been observed as has the fact that high
levels of fluoride tend to prevent bone calcium loss associated
with inactivity. This is of great importance in geriatrics and
treatment of long-term immobile patients.
Far from being the menace as some would have us suppose, it
seems that uses of fluoride in preventive medicine are grossly
underrated.
This Council's firm support of fluoridation was pressed to the
extent that, in 1970, it requested the London Boroughs' Association
to make representations to the Secretary of State for the
Department of Health and Social Security to the effect that
legislation be introduced requiring fluoride to be added to all
domestic water supplies. A reply received by the Association,
which approved this action, was as follows:—
"The Secretary of State regards fluoridation as an important
public health measure which local authorities need further
encouragement to introduce. He will keep in mind the views
of your Association about the desirability of legislation."
This remains the Council's attitude towards fluoridation.
Public Baths and Laundries
There are 4 Borough Council Public Baths, 2 Public Laundries
and a Council Launderette.