Fluoridation, a word that has become a short fuse to controversy, is headed back into New Orleans headlines.
Members of a committee who for more than two years have been pondering the possibility of adding fluorides to the city's drinking water are expected to make their final report next week.
Dr. Walter P. Gardiner, city health superintendent and committee chairman, said he is now preparing the report.
"It will be out in a week or 10 days and turned over to Mr. Ellis," he said. He referred to Crawford Ellis, president of the Sewerage and Water board. Cuts Down Decay
Proponents of the proposal to add fluorides to drinking water say it cuts down teeth decay.
Opponents usually concede that a decrease in decay is noted in the teeth of children who drink such water.
But anti-fluoridationists contend there has not been enough experimentation to de-tez^mine long-range effects. And they cite claims that fluorides may harm the teeth of adults.
The fluoridation study committee was named by Ellis in December, 1954, to look into all angles of the procedure and come up with recommendations. Decision Uncertain
These recommendations — and there is no indication now what they may be — are to be contained in the final report which Dr. Gardiner says is nearly ready.
Dentists and dental associations have been in the front rank of persons and groups supporting fluoridation. Some Men of Science Oppose It
Dr. Alton Ochsner, famous New Orleans surgeon and a member of the study committee, has said he is against adding fluorides to drinking water.
Dr. Ochsner, once in favor of fluoridation, concedes that studies show its does reduce decay in children's teeth. Cites Reports
However, he told the committee at a meeting, he has looked over information indicating fluoridation damages the teeth of adults.
