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92
(b) chemical Analyses
The arrangements for chemical analyses are similar to those
for bacteriological examinations. The total numbers of samples
analysed in the Water Department's laboratory and by the
consultant were 89 of raw waters and 137 of treated waters going
into supply.
The results of the chemical analyses were uniformly satisfactory.
The waters are not liable to have plumbo-solvent action
The whole of the population and dwelling-houses within the
area of supply are supplied from public water mains direct to
the houses.
FLUORIDATION
Both the Health and Water Committees considered the following
report on Fluoridation and resolved to await an expected
statement of the Ministry of Health:-
In 1957, the World Health Organisation summarising hundreds
of controlled fluoridation programmes in 17 countries, some in
progress for over twelve years, concluded -
(i) That the use of drinking water containing one part of
fluoride per million parts of water reduces dental
decay in temporary (milk) teeth by 50% and in children's
permanent teeth by 60%. Adults living in areas
with natural fluoride in the drinking water have onethird
the amount of dental decay found in adults in
fluoride free areas.
(ii) In areas where the natural fluoride concentration in
drinking water is high, surface discolouration
(mottling) of teeth has been observed, but no other
adverse changes of any kind. An overwhelming
majority of observers are satisfied that there is no
evidence of any ill effects whatsoever from the
drinking of water containing the recommended quantity
of fluoride. A minority of those interested in
fluoridation, however, have made the contradictory
conclusion that fluoridation is actually harmful or
potentially dangerous.