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Government considering fluoridation of water

Report looking into pros and cons expected early next year

Fluoride could be added to the Island's drinking water in a bid to reduce dental issues for children.

The Council of Ministers will ask for research into fluoridation of water, after tabling an amendment to a recommendation set out by the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee looking into oral health in children.

Public Health will be tasked with examining the effects on the population, the extent it would reduce levels of tooth decay and whether it would be more efficient and effective than a targeted approach of using fluoride varnish.

In 2014, then-Health Minister Howard Quayle told Tynwald colleagues government had consulted the public in 2008 which received a resounding 'no'.

If approved by Tynwald, a report looking into adding fluoride to water would be brought to political members no later than February 2024's Tynwald sitting.

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