Abstract
Objective Does water fluoridation have negative effects? This objective was broken down into four sections, fluorosis, bone fracture and bone development effects, cancer and other possible adverse effects.
Data sources See page 37.
Study selection Twenty-six studies were included, 18 of level C and eight of level B (see page 37). The mean validity score was 3.8 (range, 2.8–4.8).
Results Incidence of ‘all cause’ cancer and associated mortality was considered as an outcome in 10 studies and 22 analyses were made. Of these, in only two studies was a significant association found, one a negative association (more cancers) in one of eight subgroups, and in the other a significant positive effect (fewer cancers). Of nine studies comprising 20 analyses of bone cancers, one found a significant negative effect in both men and boys, ie, more cancers. Because of the varying outcome measures, results could not be pooled formally.
Conclusions The findings of cancer studies were mixed, with small variations on either side of no effect. Individual cancers examined were bone cancers and thyroid cancer, where once again no clear pattern of association was seen. Overall, in the research evidence included no association was detected between water fluoridation and mortality from any cancer, or with bone or thyroid cancers specifically.
McDonagh M, Whiting P, Bradley M, Cooper J, Sutton A, Chestnutt I, et al. A Systematic Review of Public Water Fluoridation. York: Publications Office, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York. ISBN 1 900640 16 3; 2000
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Address for reprints: Publications Office, NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1904 433648; Fax: +44 (0)1904 433661; E-mail: crdpub@york.ac.uk; URL: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/fluorid.htm
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Li, Y. No association between water fluoridation and mortality from cancer. Evid Based Dent 3, 47–48 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400108
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400108