Treated water is safe for adults and babies

I WAS very concerned to read in Claire O’Sullivan’s report headlined ‘Tap water warning for baby formula’ (October 5) that the anti-fluoridation organisation, Voice, is seriously misrepresenting recent advice from both the American Dental Association and the British Fluoridation Society.

I wish to make it quite clear that the British Fluoridation Society considers fluoridated water to be perfectly safe for all — including babies.

Voice seriously misrepresents one of our briefings in which we simply point out that parents can reduce even further the already low risk of their young children developing dental fluorosis while still obtaining the full benefits of fluoridated water.

Dental fluorosis is a purely cosmetic problem of white marks showing on the teeth; it has no general health effects whatever.

The British Fluoridation Society has always admired the huge achievement of the Republic of Ireland in fluoridating its water supply 40 years ago.

We are continuing to campaign strongly for water fluoridation to be introduced in Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Prof Michael Lennon OBE

Chair

British Fluoridation Society

Ward 4

Booth Hall Children’s Hospital

Charlestown Road

Manchester M9 7AA

England