Study by Cancer Control Programme finds no link between fluoridation and cancer
A possible relationship between fluoridated water and cancer risk has been debated for years. However, a new report, completed by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), states that no such association exists.
The report sites a publication by the EU Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks (SCHER) entitled ‘Opinion on critical review of any evidence on the hazard profile, health effects, and human exposure to fluoride and the fluoridating agents of drinking’. SCHER agrees that epidemiological studies do not indicate a clear link between fluoride in drinking water, and osteosarcoma and cancer in general. The study states that no evidence exists from animal studies to support the link, thus fluoride cannot be classified as a carcinogen.
The association of fluoridated water with fractures is also examined by the NCCP report. Reference is made to a recent study by Nasman et al (2013), which found that there is no link between chronic fluoride exposure and the occurrence of hip fracture.
The NCCP report concludes that the Expert Body’s advice that water fluoridation, at the optimal level, does not cause any ill health effects and protects the oral health of the population, is supported by major international, scientifically-validated reviews.