Why is fluoride added to water supplies?
To harden the enamel coating on teeth to protect them against decay. Trace amounts of fluoride can combine chemically with the surface of teeth to make them slightly tougher. Is it safe? There have been many concerns over the years but the main worries have focused on cancer, bone diseases such as osteoporosis and developmental abnormalities including Down’s syndrome. Opponents of fluoridation claim fluoride is a toxin that can accumulate in the body. The new report looked at the evidence behind these claims and found that overall there is no clear reason to be concerned. For example, as many studies have found decreases in cancer rates in fluoridated areas as have found increases. And some water supplies have naturally high levels of fluoride. According to the report, studies of people living in such areas have failed to find clear evidence of harm to people. Why do some people still object to fluoridation? Because they think scientists haven’t yet looked hard enough for evidence of h
