UK - Daily Echo letter

Madness to add fluoride to water
I READ the interesting "In my View" article "Fluoridation at any cost?" on July 12.
I agree that it's madness to add to tap water chemical that must be avoided by some sections of the community.
We are now told that babies' milk feeds should NOT be made up using fluoridated water as infants can receive too much fluoride which can damage their tooth enamel. It is now advised that parents make up baby feeds using bottled water - but just think of the added expense for parents and all that plastic waste.
Fluoride has to be removed for kidney patients on dialysis and some people are allergic to fluoride.
Twenty-six years ago researcher Edward Priestley suffered bone marrow destruction caused by workplace toxic chemicals. Doctors didn't think he would survive but by avoiding all toxic substances such as fluoride, years later his blood count is normal and he is free of the disease.
Fluoride can cause thyroid trouble. In the past if a patient had an overactive thyroid gland, hospitals used to knock out thyroid function by using fluoride.
The 'one-size fits all' idea of artificially fluoridating tap water is outdated. A much more effective and less wasteful method has been developed whereby dentists apply fluoride to a child's teeth, taking great care that the child doesn't swallow any.
The trouble is the authorities don't want to admit they made a mistake.
A. WILLS. Ruislip, Middlesex.