[ad_1]
Manki Kim / Unsplash
Fluoride is already added to more than half of New Zealand’s drinking water.
The government is taking control of water fluoridation from councils and handing it over to CEO of Health Ashley Bloomfield.
Associate Health Minister Dr. Ayesha Verrall announced the policy Thursday, dusting off a long-dormant national government bill that was to grant fluoridation power to local district health boards (DHBs).
She will amend that bill so that it instead gives power to the chief health officer, who is currently Bloomfield.
“The proposed change, to be made through a companion mandate document, simplifies decision-making and means that we are taking a consistent, evidence-based approach at the national level,” said Verrall.
READ MORE:
* Parents Confused About Children’s Toothpaste Could Lead To More Cavities, Dentists Warn
* Fluoridation of Waipa’s drinking water may occur
* Most Taranaki DHB candidates are pro-fluoride
“Around 6,500 children under the age of nine were admitted to the hospital for cavities and associated infections in 2019. The Fluoridation Bill as a whole recognizes that water fluoridation is a health-related problem. Right now, only about 2.3 million New Zealanders have access to fluoridated drinking water. “
David White / Stuff
Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said the change would ensure a constant fluoride level nationwide.
The change is likely to be controversial, as the anti-fluoridation movement has successfully lobbied city councils to stop fluoridation in the past.
Fluoride is a chemical that is added to more than half of New Zealand’s drinking water in minute amounts to promote healthy teeth.
While fluoride can be toxic in large amounts, the Health Ministry has said that a person would need to drink thousands of glasses of water in a single sitting to get anything close to a lethal dose.
A 2009 study found that Kiwi children in areas with fluoridated drinking water had 40 percent fewer cavities than children living in areas without it, on average. However, some people find the practice abominable, arguing that Kiwis should have the right to choose which medications to take.
The entire DHB system is on the verge of breaking down as the Government implements the results of the Heather Simpson Review, which recommended halving the number of DHBs and eliminating DHB elections.
Several DHB candidates in the 2016 elections opposed fluoridation.
Verrall said the current level of fluoride found in natural water supplies is not high enough to protect against tooth decay.
“Replenishing fluoride levels enables well-established health benefits to reach all New Zealanders, especially our children, Maori and Pacific populations, and people in our poorest communities,” said Verrall.
“The bill was introduced in the House in 2016. Since the fluoridation of our drinking water is widely recognized as the most important initiative to improve oral health, I hope this bill will pass this year.”
She said that advice would be available to implement decisions.
“Municipalities are responsible for the capital and operating costs of fluoridation. Funds will be available to support city councils with infrastructure work related to fluoridation ”.
