Letter: Fluoride claims as health benefit not supported

Monday, March 22, 1999 | 11:49 a.m.

The editorial relies upon "scientific studies" without giving the reader a clue as to where such studies may be found.

The editorial writer never revealed the source of the information he based his editorial reputation upon.

The claim is made that fluoride in drinking water is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay.

Where are the double-blind, peer-reviewed studies that support that claim? Where is the proof that the United States government has found fluoride to be safe and effective in preventing tooth decay?

Where is the proof that there are no adverse health effects from ingesting fluoride from drinking water, toothpaste, dental treatments, or from foods and beverages canned, bottled or processed with fluoridated water?

The editorial accuses opponents of fluoride of using misleading scare tactics without ever noting that raising the issue of childhood tooth decay in an editorial is a scare tactic.

The editorial pokes fun at those who still know how to use their own brains instead of relying on white coat salesman and hucksters from a professional association that has taken huge amounts of fluoride money in return for their professional seal of approval.

Current law requires that the voters decide about adding fluoride to drinking water.

The editorial supports taking the right to vote on the fluoridiation issue away from the voters and giving the right to force fluoridated water on everyone regardless of age, size or health condition, to legislators. Fluoride is the con of the century. Fluoride is harmful to human health. What is the human and monetary whole body health cost of fluoride?

ROBERT W. HALL, M. S.