The controversial debate surrounding whether or not London should continue the fluoridation of London’s drinking water. London’s fluoride rate is 0.7 parts per million. There were many concerns as to whether or not that amount was too high.
Those against adding Fluoride such as London Nutritional Consultant argued that cavities are not caused by fluoride deficiency and that artificial water fluoridation is a flawed practice.
Many questions were asked to Middlesex London Health Unit’s Dr. Mackie, surrounding children’s dental health.
credit: smilefortcollins.com
Dr. Mackie insists that fluoride is not only safe, but the health risks are unsupported. He explained that when Windsor discontinued the use of fluoride, the city saw a 50% increase in the amount of cavities that children had.
“Each time water fluoridation is discontinued, we see an epidemic of children’s cavities and that’s quite consistent across the literature”, says Mackie.
London resident Mike Lewis argued that cause and effect is almost impossible to prove. Lewis believes that consent is needed and that fluoride is a toxic substance that should not been added to London’s drinking water.
“I’m being medicated against my will”, says Lewis.
He continued by pointing to the fact that studies supporting fluoridation is not conclusive because studies can be biased and not entirely reliable.
London chemist and board member on the Old South Community Organization, Gary Brown, is still unsure about his stance on the debate.
“I used to test London’s drinking water, so I’ve been heavily involved in the fluoride argument for over a decade and usually spoke out against it. I think the problem is we’re all for a black and white answer and I don’t think the science is providing it. I don’t think either side has proven their case beyond a doubt”, says Brown.
Counselor Squire agreed that drinking something that is in the water is not a choice and suggested a motion for the lowering the rate of London Fluoride to 0.6 parts per million, depending on the response from the London Health Unit.
Dr. Mackie believes that the amount that London uses strikes a good balance.
Mayor Ed Holder reminds that they are not health professionals and that the Ontario Dental Association support the amount that London uses. Holder is not in support of removing fluoride in the drinking water.
