A BRITISH environmental group has extended a £25,000 challenge to health and dental authorities in the State to sign a statement saying that fluoridation of water supplies will not harm anyone.
The challenge was issued by the National Pure Water Association, which reports an increasing membership from the Republic. "Not a single member of the health boards or their dental health officers (in Britain) had the confidence to sign a personal statement that fluoridation will not cause harm to anyone," according to NPWA spokeswoman Ms Jane Jones.
The association had reissued the challenge, first made last year, which went unclaimed, and extended it to the Republic because the State's water was heavily flouridated and there was growing concern about its effects, she said.
The NPWA disputes the public health benefits from fluoridation, claiming that fluorine is a danger substance, which causes fluorosis in children and other negative effects.
It has been very active in a recent campaign against fluoridation in the North which has been concentrated in Tandragee in Co Armagh. "We have had fluoridation for about 20 years. We are annoyed that no study has been done. There is no research that we are aware of showing its effectiveness," said Ms Sheila Armstrong of Tandragee Residents Against Fluoridation.
The group boasts of a 600 strong membership which is campaigning for the repeal of fluoridation legislation.
