Water fluoride concentrations in England, 2009-2020
B Nyakutsikwa1, T Walsh1, I Pretty1
1Division of Dentistry, The University of Manchester, UK.
Community Dental Health
|January 4, 2022
Summary
Water fluoridation in England shows significant variation in optimal concentrations (>= 0.7 mg F/L) between 2009-2020. This study highlights the need for a publicly accessible database for better monitoring and research.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Dental Health
Background:
- Effective monitoring of water fluoridation requires accurate population coverage data.
- Understanding fluoride concentration variability is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Previous research indicates inconsistencies in water fluoridation programmes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the first public record of water fluoride concentrations in England (2009-2020).
- To describe and visualize variations in fluoride levels and optimal fluoridation.
- To assess the population coverage of water fluoridation interventions.
Main Methods:
- Acquired routine water quality sampling data from English water companies (2009-2020) via Environmental Information Regulations.
- Assigned fluoride concentrations from Water Supply Zones (WSZs) to Lower Super Output Areas (LSOAs) using population-weighted centroids.
Main Results:
- Between 2009-2020, 12.9% of LSOAs (4247) met the optimal annual mean water fluoride concentration (>= 0.7 mg F/L) in at least one year.
- 9.1% of LSOAs (3019) achieved a grand mean fluoride concentration of >= 0.7 mg F/L.
- Optimal fluoridation coverage fluctuated, decreasing from 10.9% in 2014 to 6.3% in 2016.
Conclusions:
- Confirms variability in water fluoridation coverage and achieved concentrations.
- Current data access and collation methods hinder essential monitoring, surveillance, and research.
- An annually updated, publicly accessible water fluoride concentration database is urgently needed.
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