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31 July 2006
Recycled water outcome reminiscent of fluoridation debate
The non-scientific and emotional scare campaign that nobbled Toowoomba’s recycled water referendum at the weekend is similar to the anti-fluoridation propaganda and misinformation that surfaces whenever this public health issue is floated for Queensland.
But Australian Dental Association Queensland Branch President Dr Robert McCray said whereas water recycling for domestic consumption is a new concept for Australians, water fluoridation is a proven public health measure that most Australians – except Queenslanders – have safely benefited from for 30-50 years.
“The parallels between these two campaigns are remarkable. On the one hand there is strong science and worldwide use with no adverse health affects, and on the other there are personal and ideological objections, as well as extreme hyperbole, which hold sway,” Dr McCray said.
“Scare tactics and emotional language hijacked the recycled water referendum and continue to derail the water fluoridation issue in Queensland.“
“About 15 million Australians in all other states of Australia have enjoyed the safe and effective benefits of water fluoridation with only positive outcomes. Those opposed would have us believe that adding fluoride to water would kill us all – but where are the skeletons in all the other states of Australia?"
Elected representatives have a responsibility to lead and have an ethical and moral obligation to make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the majority. In the case of water fluoridation, the proven community-wide benefits suggest that state and local government representatives need to mandate this issue based on credible and informed opinion.
Dr McCray said medical experts and professional bodies overwhelmingly favour water fluoridation, with professionals of the calibre of 2006 Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer and 2005 Senior Queensland Australian of the Year Professor John Pearn supporting it as safe and effective (see website www.fluoridationqld.com).
“The ADAQ is campaigning for water fluoridation to be introduced in Queensland cities in an effort to help overcome ongoing economic and personal oral health disadvantage that has stemmed from the state’s long-term failure to provide fluoridated water for most residents.”
“Queenslanders have the worst teeth in the nation, and it is reprehensible that each year 2000 Queensland children aged under six have tooth decay so severe they require a general anaesthetic (with its associated risks) to have their teeth repaired or removed. That is real risk and disadvantage compared with some mythical and unscientific minority view.”
Dr McCray urged local councillors and state members to take steps to overcome the current impasse which has seen no council introduce water fluoridation, despite the Beattie Government’s offer to fund the required infrastructure.
“They have an ethical obligation to be fully informed and to act in the public interest where the good of the community overrides the rights or wishes of a minority of individuals.”
Surveys in 2004 and 2005 showed that the majority of Queenslanders are in favour of water fluoridation, which is currently only available in Townsville and a handful of small regional towns.
All of the information included on this web site is accurate to the best of knowledge of the Australian Dental Association (Queensland Branch). To make the text more readable for non-scientists, ADAQ has deliberately minimised attributions and links to supporting files or scientific attachments. However these sources are readily available if required and many can be found via www.health.qld.gov.au/fluoride. |
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Give Queenslanders something to smile about