Building a healthier Britain. Part Two, Fluoride.

Since the 1950s doctors have continuously researched people's health and lifestyle. In the second of a four-part series, Richard Hannaford examines the results of these epidemiological studies. This part focuses on how adding fluoride to the water supply has always been a polarised debate. Some think it will prevent tooth decay while others say its safety has not been proven. 50 years of fluoridation studies are available but recently public health officials of both Scotland and England have revisited the issue. Scotland has decided against increasing the amount of fluoride in the water, while in England the Strategic Health Authorities can, after consultation, request that Water Companies add fluoride to an agreed level.