A recent Star article discusses the views of a number of pro-fluoridation advocates, too long to list here. The sole exception quoted is Mayor Drew Dilkens, who is given about two sentences.

Although the health unit describes fluoride as “a naturally occurring mineral,” your article might have included the information from City Administration that the so-called “fluoride” which has and would be put in our water is actually hydrofluorosilicic acid, an industrial waste byproduct which is classified as toxic by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It will cost $1 million in the first year to put this toxin back into our water system.

If it does so, the city will be medicating citizens without our consent.

Your reporter could have interviewed Dr. Hardy Limeback, professor of dentistry at the University of Toronto, to obtain an alternative opinion. Dr. Limeback holds a DDS as well as a PhD, and is qualified to and has conducted research into fluoridation. He served for 3 1/2 years on the U.S. National Academy of Science Subcommittee on Fluoride in Drinking Water.

Dr. Limeback writes, “I find it absurd that industrial toxic waste is shipped to the water treatment plants in large tanker trucks and trickled into the drinking water of major cities in North America…. if a major spill should occur… people’s lives would be at stake.”

Dr. Limeback rejects ‘fluoridation’ of water for four reasons. It is no longer effective, as studies show no difference in cavities between communities with and without it. Fluoridation is also the main cause of dental fluorosis, which is a biomarker for fluoride poisoning. Hexafluorosilicic acid is a toxin which has not been tested for safety. Finally, there are serious health risks documented from fluoridation, including: bone cancer, bone fracture, endocrine system effects, especially to the thyroid gland, and adverse neurological effects such as lowered IQ.

James Winter, professor, communication and social justice, University of Windsor

*Original letter online at https://windsorstar.com/opinion/letters/reader-letter-star-should-cite-more-anti-fluoridation-experts