Canada - Brushing up on fluoride

MONDAY, 07 JANUARY 2013
Nick Kuhl
Lethbridge Herald
nkuhl@lethbridgeherald.com
If a local group has its way, the fluoridation of Lethbridge water could be discontinued.
But it won't happen overnight says Mark Benson with Fluoride Free Lethbridge, a group of concerned citizens calling for an end to forced fluoridation of local water supplies.
"Our main goal right now is not so much to get it before council as soon as possible, but rather we feel like it's our duty to provide access to information so people can be informed," he said.
"Then we'll see where things go from there. This isn't just about council. It's about having people informed so they can make their own choice and then express it publicly through whatever form."
Lethbridge began adding fluoride to the water following a plebiscite in 1974.
City council last debated the issue in April 2011, when a motion to have fluoride removed from the water supply was voted down 5-4.
Those councillors voting in favour of removal cited doubt on the ethics, safety and effectiveness of fluoridation in preventing tooth decay.
Those against cited their legal responsibility under the Municipal Government Act to protect the health of the public.
That same year, the City of Calgary and the Town of Taber both voted to have fluoride removed.
"Considering the scientific evidence available to us now, this needs to be looked at," Benson said......