THE decision on whether or not add fluoride to the water supply in parts of Southampton and south west Hampshire is due to be made at a South Central Strategic Health Authority (SCSHA) Board meeting at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton tomorrow, Thursday 26 February.
Although the policy will not apply in north west Hampshire it could be seen as a guide to what could happen here and in Wiltshire where the matter was presented to county councillors last year.
SCSHA conducted a three-month public consultation closing 19 December 2008, following a request made by Southampton City Primary Care Trust to investigate the feasibility of increasing the level of fluoride in the water.
The proposal from the PCT is for a 12 fold increase in the level of fluoride in the Southampton water supply from its current level of 0.08 parts per million to 1 part per million – the level that is considered to offer the best impact in reducing tooth decay.
The consultation process collected the views of local residents and those who work in the area, ensured people had easy access to accurate information on this important issue and were aware of opportunities to share their views.
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