The water fluoridation issue has reared its head again and a few observations on the issue for readers to think about might be of interest if they are asked to vote on the issue.

I have an Oxford University textbook 1962 on fluorine, its compounds and uses. It notes that the fluorosilicic acid as added to tap water in the UK is a toxic industrial waste from the phosphate fertiliser industry which cannot be allow to escape into the environment because of the toxic hazard which would result.

At that time it notes there was a limited outlet for this toxic waste.

A recent costing quoted for safe disposal of the fluoride toxic waste from the USA quotes $7,000 per 5,000 gallons.

Very few, except a few mostly English-speaking countries, add fluoride to tap water. Some stopped the practice when they found it does not prevent tooth decay and does have some adverse effects on health.

Fluoride was used as a drug for decades to treat hyperthyroidism because of the effects it has in displacing iodine which is essential for normal thyroid function and thereby lowering thyroid function in those with an overactive thyroid.

The effect of water fluoridation on those with normal thyroid function or borderline lower thyroid function is to lower metabolic rate and cause hypothyroidism and obesity. Laboratory lymphocytes tests can show high sensitivity to fluoride in those with hypothyroidism following exposure to fluoride containing prescribed drugs which list hypothyroidism as a side effect, pesticides or from other sources.

There is an epidemic of hypothyroidism (often undiagnosed) and obesity, particularly in areas and countries fluoridating their water supplies, e.g the USA, Australia and parts of other countries.

This just scratches the surface of the water fluoridation issue there are many books written by doctors and other experts written on the subject.

India has a programme to try to help 60 million of its citizens with adverse health effects due to high natural levels of fluoride in water supplies. Fluoride is accumulative and has many sources including tea and tobacco and many other products so keeping levels down is not easy.

Edward Priestley