For decades we have been told fluoride helps fight tooth decay in our children's teeth.

This is the one and only argument for fluoridation, and recent studies have shown little or no difference in dental decay between children living in fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.

In addition to this, 40,000 independently published studies show adverse health risks to fluoride consumption.

The risks include dental fluorosis - the pitting and mottling of the teeth, osteosarcoma - a bone cancer more common in boys, skeletal deformities, lower IQ and behavioural changes, a decreasing fertility rate the list goes on.

In a recent, scientific study carried out by Harvard University, it was concluded there is a link between fluoridated water and an increased risk of osteosarcoma in teenage boys.

Irish dentists opposing fluoridation Ireland has been receiving fluoridated water since the Sixties have said such links have been expected, and its own research has found levels of bone cancer to be 40 per cent higher in the Republic compared to the unfluoridated North.

It is interesting to note the Government's York Review, outlined in Claire Truscott's well-researched article (The Argus, April 17), found 48 per cent of people in artificially-fluoridated areas suffered from dental fluorosis.

Does this suggest fluoride causes noticeable harm in just fewer than 50 per cent of the population, which receive it?

Fluoride is a cumulative poison and builds up in the teeth and bones.

Early indication of excess fluoride in the body is dental fluorosis, recognised by scientists worldwide as the first signs of fluoride poisoning.

The fact remains fluoridation is the "dumping" of a few thousand tons of agricultural waste toxins into our water supply. Fluoride-producing companies get a 20,000 per cent mark up if it is sold to water companies.

In some ways it is irrelevant why people oppose fluoridation. What is important is that it remains our choice as to whether we receive medication or not. Water fluoridation takes away this human right.

Let's listen to the voices of experience and not to the "junk" scientific research carried out by the companies promoting the "product".

-Helen Dear, Southwick