Sir, Drs Connett1 and Osmunson2 continue to bang their anti-fluoridation drum. Most recently they claim that fluoride is a neurotoxin with the implication that this will lead to neurological defects and reduced IQ in children. They often cite studies in rats and a few studies in China of children in rural areas exposed to high levels of fluoride naturally present in water which in some cases is further contaminated by arsenic. A study more relevant to community water fluoridation (CWF) was recently published by Broadbent et al.3 They followed up almost 1,000 subjects in New Zealand for over 38 years. Their findings do not support the assertion that fluoride in the context of CWF is neurotoxic or linked to reduced IQ.

Recent reviews of human studies commissioned jointly by the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor4 and a second by the Australian Health and Medical Research Council5 are quite clear: there is no evidence linking community water fluoridation with neurological defects or reduced IQ. Professionals need to look at these reports and decide whom they prefer to trust.