Fluoridation to end in Central Hawke's Bay

The Central Hawke's Bay District Council voted this morning 6-2 to end fluoridation in Waipukurau, the only local community with fluoridation.

A survey in 2009 revealed that 80% of residents did not want the fluoride chemical added to their water, but the results were withheld from councillors until the last minute, and fluoridation was retained at that time. This time, 95% of local submissions were to end the practice.

Waipukurau resident Graeme Rees attended this morning's meeting. "I was very impressed with the thoroughness with which councillors had independently and objectively investigated all aspects of the issue", he says. "I congratulate the councillors for their due diligence regarding the facts and for respecting the voice of the Waipukurau community in making the right decision", he adds.

"Fluoride Action Network NZ also congratulate the councillors on making a sound decision on behalf of their residents", says National Co-ordinator Mary Byrne "Local body councillors throughout the country are finding that the touted benefit of reduced dental decay is not what it was thought to be and that fluoridation comes with serious risks to health which are simply not worth taking, especially when it is now known than fluoride works when applied to teeth, not swallowed."

"There are now only 23 councils out of a total of 69 that continue fluoridation in New Zealand," she concludes.

ENDS

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