THE article "Fluoride case grows stronger" (LT, November 16) reported that health bosses are considering adding the chemical fluoride to East Lancashire's water supply.
I thought I should mention a new concern on fluoridation.
The website of the American Dental Association (ADA) now recommends baby milk should not be made up using artificially fluoridated water.
Instead of using tap water containing fluoride, the ADA guidelines are to buy a ready-mixed baby formula which contains no fluoride, or for parents to buy bottled water with a fluoride content as low as possible to make up feeds.
They state that fluoride should not be given to a child under a year old. The National Pure Water Association's "watershed" (vol 13, Autumn 2007), reports that the British Fluoridation Society's chairman, Prof Michael Lennon, whose task is to promote fluoridation, has drafted a briefing document which also says bottled water should be used to make up feeds to ensure babies don't receive too much fluoride.
To protect the baby, breast milk is extremely low in fluoride. It would be an added expense for parents to have to buy bottled water.
Also, those plastic bottles are not good for the environment! It would be best for fluoride not to be added to water supplies.
A WILLS, Dulverton Road, Ruislip, Middesex.
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