Sir, - It was with increasing alarm that we read Eamon Timmin's article (The Irish Times, August 16th) on the compulsory fluoridation of our tap water, and the health hazards pointed out by Dr Moolenberg of Holland. Holland has banned the use of fluoride by law and yet we in Ireland have no choice. The Pasteur Institute in France tested the safety of fluoride use and rejected it many years ago.
Why does our Government dismiss the growing medical and scientific evidence that it is dangerous to swallow and ingest this poison? If its use is aimed at children's dental health alone, then why do the rest of us have to use it? Research has shown dental fluorosis due to fluoride use which we can readily see, but what is happening to our bones? When it is removed from our water, as soon as possible, those who still consider it beneficial can have a choice between fluoride and non-fluoride toothpaste.
We resent the removal of our freedom of choice whereby our Department of Environment is delivering a prescribed toxic substance in our tap water daily, without our consent. -Yours, etc.,
Michael Hilary, Mary Hilary, Booterstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.