Fluoride concern IN THE Whitsundays Times, March 7 there was a reader in the letter to the editor section arguing why he thinks water flouridation is a good thing. To his examples and arguments I want to answer as follows: Why in my opinion should we not trust our governments? Because they consist of individuals who a) have their short-term careers in mind and b) doubtedly are twice smarter and more informed than other individuals. I doubt that any of the government representatives has read all the studies available about this topic.  But this is another good point. Assuming that every opponent of water flouridation is only reading propaganda material is just wrong. I have been going through a large amount of scientific articles and find that there are as many scientific articles stating negative effects of water flouridation as there are positive. And even if there are positive short-term results from water flouridation: What do we know about the long-term effects? How do we not know that it is even carcinogenic as many, many other chemicals are? A recent harvard study has found that water flouridation causes a decrease in IQ levels. What's next to be revealed? What else do we not know, yet? Allantibiotics (sic) and pain killers have proven side effects, causing damage to our organs. Why would other chemicals, like flouride, not? And once again: What about the long-term effects? Where is the cancer in our society coming from? Do we know that? And to carry it to extremes: Why are the people living in the Himalaya on average the oldest people in the world?  In my opinion: No government in the world should have the right to manipulate my water supply in that way. Especially as long as we don't know for sure, what effects it really has. Justyna Dietrich AIRLIE BEACH