PRACTICE LIMITED TO ALLERGY AND SKIN DISEASES TELEPHONE 686-6861

PHILIP E. ZANFAGNA, M. D.
PROFESSIONAL BUILDING
163 LAWRENCE STREET
LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS 01841

July 2h, 1969

Professor Joshua Lederberg, Ph. D.
Chairnan, Department of Genetics
Stanford University

Palo Alto, California 94305

Dear Professor Lederberg:

- Dr. Frederick Stare emphasized in a television program
(WNAC-TV: July 23, 1969) that he has received a letter with
your Signature favoring and endorsing compulsory fluoridation
of public drinking water. His answer was the result of a statement
made expresSing your concern that more research is needed on the
genetics effects of artificial fluoridation,

Since this statement may influence the Massachusetts
Legislature who we are. attempting to convince to repeal the
compulsory fluoridation law, I shall most sincerely appreciate
knowing, Dr. Lederberg, whether you endorse fluoridation of
drinking water for everyone and whether you so stated ina
letter to Dr, Stare,

Thank you,

Yours most respectfully,
AY . \"
Philip E, Zanfagna, M.D.
Dear Dr, Zanfagna:

I can best answer your question by sending you the relevant part
of my letter to Dr. Stare. I believe that present evidence supports
the merits -of fluoridation, and I would advocate it; however, this is
a tentative judgment that requires continuing study. In any case, topi-
cal application is obviously a preferable method to administer fluoride,
and communities that adopt effective systems to bring its advantages
to all their children could then dispense with augmenting the water

supply.

 
    

urs sincerefy’,

oshua Lederberg

Cc: Dr. Stare

P.S. I have made no comment on the "genetics effects of artificial
fluoridation." Someone may have cafused this with some speculatiens

about chlerination. AUG @¢ 1969 ~