Fluoridation

Question

Asked by Earl Baldwin of Bewdley

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what progress has been made with research recommendation 5.2.9 from in the Medical Research Council report ‘Water fluoridation and health' in 2002 in respect of an updated analysis of data on fluoridation and cancer rates, and of exposure to fluoride as a possible risk factor for osteosarcoma.[HL3619]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe) (Con): Public Health England is currently working towards publishing a first report on the health effects of fluoridation by mid-March 2014, as required by legislation. This will be a publicly available document. Further reports will follow within four-yearly time periods in accordance with the timetable prescribed in legislation. This report will analyse the overall incidence of cancer, including specifically that of osteosarcoma, in relation to residence within a fluoridated area, taking into account confounding variables.

The Department's National Institute for Health Research welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including water fluoridation. These applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the scientific quality of the proposals made.