I recently read Mr. Whitcombe's column entitled Science Draws Power From Common Knowledge.
He mentioned fluoride and how fluoride is fluoride regardless of the source. This brings to
mind the ongoing debate about fluoridation of our city's tap water.
Scientific knowledge dictates that mercury, arsenic and lead are mercury, arsenic and lead regardless of the source. Medical science agrees that these are extremely harmful. The hexafluorosilicic acid added to our city water comes packaged with a helping of mercury, arsenic and lead as city water fluoridation uses an industrial waste by-product.
It is common knowledge that if something is treated like toxic waste by industry and labelled toxic that it shouldn't be put in our drinking water. Those who object to having this impure fluoride added to city water for drinking and bathing wish to remind everyone that there are certain ethical aspects of science which, if heeded, will condemn this practice. How ethical is it to subject any person to these toxic substances by force and without 100 per cent previous, informed, individual consent?
Werner Keseling,
Prince George
