Sir, - Dick Ahlstrom seems to have confused two (related) issues (The Irish Times, May 17th). He says that fluoride has been "getting a rough ride in the letters pages of The Irish Times in recent weeks". He's right. But he then goes on to say that Professor O'Mullane's study of fluoridated toothpaste should "ease parents' fears over absorption of fluoride".
He fails to mention that the main concern of the anti-fluoride people is the involuntary ingestion of the stuff in our water. As they have pointed out, there is a major difference between the fluoride which occurs naturally (calcium fluoride) and that which is added to the water (sodium fluoride). The latter is more toxic than lead. It accumulates in the body and has been shown to have many adverse health effects. However, this important issue has apparently been ignored by Professor O'Mullane whose study concentrates on fluorosis (a minor side effect) caused by the fluoride (sodium) which is added to toothpaste. It is interesting to note that fluoridated toothpaste sold in the United States carries the warning that it should not be used by children under six. In Ireland however, the advice is merely that parents should supervise children under seven. In both cases they advise "to minimise swallowing". The warning in the US further adds: "If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately".
I must say I don't find any of this "easing" my fears.
I suppose the good news is that we can choose which toothpaste we buy. The bad news is that we have no choice at all about the water that comes out of the tap. Until there is a public debate on this subject, I believe that fluoride will continue to get a justifiably "rough ride". - Yours, etc.,
Harriet O'Donovan Sheehy, Dalkey, Co Dublin.