The target level of fluoride in drinking water is one part per million (ppm). This is massively higher than any homeopathic medicine.

The maximum permitted level in the UK is only 1.5 ppm. The US has a higher maximum permitted level (four ppm) but has recently (March 22, 2006) been told in a report by the National Academy of Sciences that this should be reduced because of the risk of a wide range of adverse health effects.

Many people believe fluoride is an essential element for humans.

This is not the case in the opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies, after a request for information from the EU Commission related to the tolerable upper intake level of fluoride (request number EFSA-Q-2003-018).

LT Lowe, in The Student's Handbook to Animal Nutrition (Littlebury & Co, 1949), called fluorine "a harmful mineral element" and "a cumulative poison". How can we now think it beneficial?

We obtain fluoride from many sources foods, beverages, toothpaste, toiletries, dental treatments, medicines, air pollution and so on. Chronic fluoride poisoning develops gradually and mimics other illnesses. Testing of blood and urine for fluoride is not done.

If fluoridation is implemented, those who suffer will have no clue as to the cause of their illness.

-Elizabeth A McDonagh BSc (Hons) lecturer in food subjects and applied science (retired), Melton Brand Farm, Doncaster