I EXPECT many have come to the same conclusion as M Darnell (Letters, November 17) that fluoridation is a done deal between the Government and industry. One of the most frightening aspects of the whole business is the absence of any organisation within Parliament, the health service or the water industry, prepared to stand up for our right to uncontaminated water.

I asked the Drinking Water Inspectorate whether it is true that the chemicals used in fluoridation are derived from industrial waste difficult to dispose of. Initially they replied that they did not know the source, but when I expressed surprise admitted that they did know, but without giving details.

They certainly did not deny the link with industrial waste and indicated that the possibility existed, even if slight, of the supplies including minute traces of other noxious chemicals, including arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium, though with the assurance that such things if present would be at far too low a concentration to be a danger. If I understood the explanation given, it seems that the Government’s view is that if the public cannot readily detect the impurities then it is alright.

No doubt the human body can tolerate a variety of naturallyoccurring contaminants. Their deliberate addition to our water is, however, another matter and is totally unacceptable.

G PAYNE, Woolston, Southampton.