Mayor’s column: Fluoridating Nelson’s Water

Passions are running high among some people over the issue of Nelson’s water being fluoridated. Many cities including Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Invercargill and Dunedin have long fluoridated their water supplies. A law change in November 2021, backed by all parties in Parliament, gave the authority for the Director-General of Health to require councils to fluoridate.

Nelson City Council has been directed to fluoridate by 31 December 2024. We have been provided $909k by the Ministry of Health to do so. Thirteen other councils have also been directed to fluoridate and most are complying. Whangārei District Council last week decided by a 7-6 vote to defy the law and risk a $200,000 fine plus an extra $10,000 per day.

It would be easy for me as Mayor to hide from the debate and blame the Government. I want to be well informed and have read dozens of research reports on the topic. I feel a duty to explain why I have confidence that the Ministry of Health has got this right.

Fluoride is a common, naturally occurring compound that is in rainwater at 0.1 mg/l, seawater at 1.3 mg/l and in tea at 2.5mg/l. Its level in freshwater varies with local geology but is negligible in Nelson. Fluoride strengthens the crystal structure of the enamel surface of our teeth making them more resistant to decay.

Every year about 100 Nelson children are admitted to hospital and put under general anaesthesia because their teeth are so rotten. Thousands more lose days of schooling due to painful cavities or cannot learn because of tooth ache. The worst affected children are in our poorest households.

Opponents say fluoride is harmful. I can find no evidence of harm in the hundreds of cities that have fluoridated water. Too much fluoride is bad for our health just as too much of most minerals can cause harm. The amount of fluoride is carefully regulated and tested to 0.7-1mg/l. Adding fluoride to water is about improving oral health just like adding iodine to salt improves thyroid health.

I support fluoridating Nelson’s water because it’s about putting children’s health first, backing science and supporting our medical professionals.