Fluoridation

Press, 6 October 1980, Page 16

Fluoridation

Sir. — With regard to the recent barrage of corres-

pondence on the subject of fluoridation, we feel more than a little bewildered as to what we should believe. Spike Milligan comes to our aid with a quote that I am sure sums up the way we and many others must feel: “Little do they know how little I know about the little that they know. If only I knew the little that .they knew, I would know a little. I must keep my little ears open you know.” — Yours, etc., P. S. BURT, G. BENNETT, Culverden. October 3, 1980.

Sir, — Let us hope that Professor Don Beaven’s article (September 27) is not taken by pro-fluoridationists as yet another reason for forcing those of us over the age of 10 without collapsed spinal vertebrae or false teeth tb take unnatural and poisonous aluminium company fluoride through our kitchen taps.' It sounds very convincing when the professor tells us that 99 per cent of the w'orld’s scientists accept the evidence he reviews. Has he met them personally? Perhaps the 1 per cent who d-> not are the top 1 per cent. The article is a review of reviews. Has he checked the source material himself or looked at evidence which the reviews ignored? The history of the advance of truth shows that commonly 99 per cent of the Learned Bernards of the time are barking up the wrong tree. I suggest that all pro-fluorida-tionists fluoridate their own water, and leave those of us who know better to continue

on in the best of health. — Yours, etc.,

JIM KELLY. October 2, 1980.

Sir, — Professor Beaven (“The Press” September 27) quotes the 1972, 1973 and 1974 reports of Drs Messer and Armstrong to imply that a low fluoride intake . can result in “impaired fertility and reproduction” as well as . pregnancy anaemia. Could the professor have seen these studies yet missed the important, later, study of Drs Tao and Suttie (in J. Nutr. 106: 1115-1122, 1976)? In this study, of which I have a copy, mice reproduced normally on an extremely low fluoride diet through three generations. The authors point out that both the pregnancy-anaemia and probably also the fertility impairment seen in Messer et al’s work, had nothing to do with low fluoride but were caused by the basal diet containing only “marginal copper and iron”. To date, fluoride has not been proved an essential nutrient; indeed, many eminent investigators (e.g. Dr G. L. Waldbott) consider it a trace element in the same class as lead, mercury and cadmium. — Yours, etc.,

ROBYN E. HOLMES. October 3, 1980.

Sir, — All cultures and societies coerce their citizens to some degree, (whether overt and/or covert). I agree with Mr Paul Maling (October, 1), that citizens should be aware of such coercion and that the associated ethical questions are of paramount importance. The medical and dental benefits of fluoridation are proven, and I agree with Mr

Mating that further discussion of these aspects is oi secondary importance. Mr Maling’s contention that municipal fluoridation is coercive is incorrect, as there is ample information, and sufficient alternatives exist (e.g. bottled water, deionisers), for those not agreeing with the majority; opinion. I suggest (that further correspondence on the fluoridation question be directed to the matter of sub. sidising of the alternatives, so that those wishing not to drink fluoridated water are not unduly inconve* nienced. Yours," etc.,

BART PROVa ~f October 2, 1980.