SIR: I reply to the letter (Your views February 10) from Sheila Jones who is the Information officer of the British Fluoridation Society, the organisation promoting fluoridation financed by taxpayers' money.

I must point out that it is not lack of fluoride in the drinking water that causes tooth decay, but poor diet and oral hygiene.

Councils throughout the North West listened to presentations from both sides of the fluoridation issue and voted against. Twenty-eight councils formed North West Councils Against Fluoridation and requested North West Water not to fluoridate. The water company declined to fluoridate in 1992.

If fluoride were added to the drinking water, then the whole population would be obliged to drink it. If it is toxic, even at one part per million to some people (and it is), then the proposal is to injure some people with the intention of benefiting others.

This is not a public health issue. Chlorine is in the water to kill water-borne bacteria, the addition of fluoride would be to treat the person regardless of their needs and state of health.

The truth is now out on the adverse effects of fluoride on health. Fluoride is stored in the bones. It is a cumulative poison, more toxic than lead. Nobody knows how much fluoride people consume, because Health authorities NEVER test for it.

Thankfully, the councils of the North West, including Bolton, fought to keep fluoride out of the drinking water and our praise must go to North West Water for having the good sense not to fluoridate.

Liz Vaughan

North West Councils

Against Fluoridation

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