Facts published by | Mackay Regional Council | © 2015

In considering all the factors, Mackay Regional Council resolved that:

• UntiltheStateGovernmentadvisesagainstfluoride,orrescindsthecurrentlegislationonfluoridatedwater,itwillcontinuetofluoridateitswatersuppliesasrecommendedbyQueenslandHealth.• CommunityHealthisaStateGovernmentresponsibilityandbyallowingeachQueenslandcounciltoindividuallytodecidewhethertofluoridatewaterdoesn’ttakeawaytheState’sresponsibilityforthehealthofQueenslanders.

Mackay Regional Council will continue to fluoridate the region’s water supply as required by the State Government. Council has accepted the advice of the Queensland State Government that fluoride, correctly dosed, is both safe and beneficial to the long term dental health of the community. The previous State Government mandated the introduction of fluoride into Queensland water supplies in 2008 in order to improve oral health and reduce dental health related problems. A change in legislation by the Newman Government in November 2012 gave each council the ability to make its own decision on whether to continue to add fluoride to the water supply.

However, there was no decision by the State to rescind the legislation which remains in place. The State Health Department still believes in the benefits of fluoridated water for communities. The Australian Dental Association, Australian Medical Association and World Health Organisation indicate fluoridated water has proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce tooth decay in towns and cities in Australia and overseas. As per legislative requirements, fluoride was added to the Mackay water supply scheme in 2010, the Sarina scheme in 2011 and the Marian/Mirani scheme in 2015 following the completion of the new Marian Water Treatment Plant.

Fluoridation

Facts published by | Mackay Regional Council | © 2015

What is fluoride? Fluoride is the ion that comes from the naturally occurring element, fluorine. Fluorine is never encountered in its free state in nature because it combines with other elements as fluoride compounds in the earth. Water dissolves these compounds, creating fluoride ions. Fluoride is present in all water sources, including the oceans. Why is fluoride added to the water supply? Fluoride is added to the water supply to help prevent tooth decay. It provides additional protection to fluoridated toothpaste. Does water fluoridation affect the taste or smell of water? No, fluoride does not affect the taste or smell of water. Is water fluoridation poisonous? No, water fluoridation is not poisonous. Under the Water Fluoridation Regulation 2008, Mackay Regional Council is required to meet a minimum prescribed fluoride dosage of 0.7mg/litre. Fluoride at less than 1 part per million is extremely safe. Is water fluoridation a form of medication? Fluoride is a naturally occurring nutrient already found in water, and is used by your body to strengthen teeth and bones. In 2003, the British Medical Association endorsed the addition of vitamins, minerals and nutrients to various foods,

noting that many more children and adults would otherwise suffer deficiencies in basic nutrients. In Australia , for example, vitamin B1 is added to flour, vitamins A & D to margarine, as well as folic acid and other nutrients to most breakfast cereals. Water fluoridation simply supplements the level of fluoride found naturally in the water supply and should be considered no differently. Does water fluoridation have any side effects? Dental fluorosis or mottling of the teeth can occur if young children get too much fluoride when their adult teeth are forming. This condition affects only a small proportion of children and is associated with excess consumption of fluoride from all sources, especially toothpaste or fluoride supplements. Most fluorosis is mild and only detectable by a dentist. The rare form of severe fluorosis causes pitting of the tooth enamel, however this is usually caused by children eating toothpaste, taking too many fluoride supplements or a combination of both.

For more information phone council on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529)or visit the website mackay.qld.gov.au

Is it fair to make everybody drink fluoridated water? Why don’t people who want fluoride take fluoride tablets? One of the advantages of water fluoridation is it allows all members of the community to benefit from the protective effects of fluoride, without cost or effort. Fluoride supplements do not provide the same benefit as water fluoridation. What if I really don’t want it? Those who choose not to benefit from water fluoridation can still choose other drinking water sources (e.g. bottled water, reverse osmosis filtered water). Sources: Australia Dental Association - http://www.ada.org.au/ Queensland Health - http://www.health.qld.gov.au/