❓ A WA parliamentary question raises concerns about a potential link between fluoridation and osteosarcoma based on Irish research. The Minister acknowledges the report and states the comparison is not valid, but the advisory committee will review epidemiological data.
AnsweredQoN 1428Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware that recent studies from the Boston University of School of Public health have shown higher levels of osteosarcoma in unfluorodated Northern Ireland compared with the fluorodated Republic of Ireland?
(2) Considering the relative rarity of this cancer in the general population, is the Minister concerned by its 40% higher prevalence in Northern Ireland when compared with the Republic of Ireland?
(3) Will the Minister instruct his staff to advise him on the details of these research findings and whether action needs to be taken in Western Australia to ensure that there is no increase in osteosarcoma occurrences in our fluorodated water supplies?
(4) Will the Government defer any further efforts to have fluorodation applied by the Busselton Water Board to its water supplies until the implications of this Irish research is fully understood?
(2) Considering the relative rarity of this cancer in the general population, is the Minister concerned by its 40% higher prevalence in Northern Ireland when compared with the Republic of Ireland?
(3) Will the Minister instruct his staff to advise him on the details of these research findings and whether action needs to be taken in Western Australia to ensure that there is no increase in osteosarcoma occurrences in our fluorodated water supplies?
(4) Will the Government defer any further efforts to have fluorodation applied by the Busselton Water Board to its water supplies until the implications of this Irish research is fully understood?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 April 2002
Responded by
Minister for Health
Response time
50 days
1.
I am now aware of the report.
2.
For a variety of reasons the comparison between experiences of the Republic of Ireland and the North does not give a valid indication of the risks in relation to fluoridation of water supplies.
3.
The Department of Health has provided me with a full briefing on this issue.
4.
The Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Advisory Committee will take all epidemiological data into consideration and maintain this under continuing review.
I am now aware of the report.
2.
For a variety of reasons the comparison between experiences of the Republic of Ireland and the North does not give a valid indication of the risks in relation to fluoridation of water supplies.
3.
The Department of Health has provided me with a full briefing on this issue.
4.
The Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Advisory Committee will take all epidemiological data into consideration and maintain this under continuing review.
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