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(iii) No other techniques for the application of fluorides
can at present replace the fluoridation of drinking
water. Experiments which are being continued include
the direct application of fluoride to the teeth by
Dental staff, mouthwashes and tooth-paste containing
fluoride, fluoride in milk, table salt and tablets.
In 1952 an official mission from the United Kingdom visited
North America to study fluoridation projects in Canada and the
U.S.A. In 1953 it recommended that Fluoridation should be given
a trial in certain selected areas in this country and the
Minister of Health announced in Parliament that the Government
had accepted this recommendation.
Areas which proposed to add fluoride to drinking water were
the County of Anglesey, Watford, Andover, Darlington and
Kilmarnock. Fluoridation has aroused great opposition in
certain individuals and organised "Anti-Fluoridation Committees"
were set up in some of the areas listed above.
As a result Darlington decided not to proceed and Andover,
where fluoridation commenced in 1956, has now given it up after
being faced with a High Court action.
At first, opposition was based on a host of alleged diseases
said to follow fluoridation, but is now apparently centred
almost entirely on the principle of the limitations in the
powers of water undertakings. It is contended that they have a
duty to supply pure and wholesome water and nothing whatsoever
may be added to it for any other purpose.
There seems little doubt that raising the fluoride content
of Croydon water to one part per million will result in a
significant reduction in dental caries and be without ill
effects. A clarification of the legal position, however, would
seem desirable before the Water Committee is pressed to undertake
such a scheme.
Testing of Samples by the Health Department
Weekly samples have been submitted to the area Public Health
Laboratory, for bacteriological examination. The premises from
which samples are taken are selected to cover each week the
different sources of supply to the several areas of the borough.
In addition, a monthly chemical analysis is carried out by the
Public Analyst, who is furnished with copies of the reports of
the bacteriologist.