I AM not surprised that Southern Water are showing reluctance to add a pollutant to our water supplies.

Fluoride is not the health product it has been promoted as or any type of medication. It is a by-product of aluminium.

I remember being advised not to use aluminium saucepans because of effects on health. Aluminium was used a lot during the Second World War and after the war there were lawsuits in America due to the effects of aluminium by-product pollutants on crops and livestock.

What will be the effects on our local crops and livestock?

Manufacturers looked for ways to make these by-products more acceptable to the public. Fluoride in toothpaste was a result.

In areas where fluoride has been added to water supplies, I understand there is a higher incidence of hip fractures as it effects bone generally, not just teeth.

I have osteoporosis and in particular I am at risk of a hip fracture so having fluoride in water will put me at greater risk.

How will Southern Water manage this?

I am left considering using a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.

Toothpaste made especially for young children contains a lower dose of fluoride than that of adults because of its known effects.

Has using toothpaste that contains fluoride already had a detrimental effect on my health?

BARBARA PAINTER, St Denys, Southampton.