Fluoride debates continues in Cape Breton
The debate surrounding the fluoridation of water continues to rage in Cape Breton, Canada.
Fluoridation was introduced in Canada around sixty years ago, but many communities are hosting debates focusing on whether or not they should stop water fluoridation. In Cape Breton, the Regional Municipality has announced that it wants a greater input in the debate before a decision on the future of water fluoridation is made.
Anti-fluoride activists have been clashing in debates with public health officials and dentists; activists claim that fluoridation can cause fluorosis and other harmful health conditions, while dentists and health experts suggest that fluoridated water is important for people who do not have access to regular dental care.
Dr Robert Strang, chief public health officer in Nova Scotia, said that water fluoridation was beneficial for oral health and was particularly important for people from poorer backgrounds who cannot afford to see a dentist on a regular basis. Public health officials are planning to meet with municipality representatives over the course of the next few weeks to present their case in favour of water fluoridation.
The municipality has postponed the decision date for 60 days in order to hear views from members of the public.
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