Disputing facts about fluoride

Mr Waugh in his recent letter on the link between fluoride and atherosclerosis (Letters, Jul 23) fails to point out that the fluoride involved in this study was part of a whole-body sodium fluoride dose administered by intravenous injection in nuclear medicine for the treatment of cancerous tumours.

This level of dose bears no resemblance to the trace levels of fluoride used in our public water supplies to improve dental health.

There is absolutely no evidence to support his claim that “the countries with the highest risk of cardiovascular disease are also those that fluoridate their water supplies”.

In fact, the US “Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (CDC) named water fluoridation one of the top ten great public heath achievements of the 20th century, along with vaccination, family planning, and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard, among others.

Gerald Duffy

Pouladuff Road

Cork