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4- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday November 15, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Region eyes flouride removal By Stephanie Hounsell METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP When there's doubt, take it out. That was the message councillors delivered loud and clear Thursday night after taking the first step to remove fluoride from drinking water in all Halton municipalities. Members of the Region's health and social services committee supported a motion by Halton Hills councillor Clark Somerville to stop fluoridating water in Halton once current supplies of fluoride are used up and current contracts expire. "When you're in doubt, don't do it," said Milton councillor Colin Best at the meeting. The recommendation was made against the advice of health department staff and Halton's medical officer of health, Dr. Bob Nosal, who said fluoridating drinking water is a safe, efficient and cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay. Currently, the older section of Milton is the only portion of Halton that doesn't have fluoridat- "There's enough doubt here that I don't think we can carry on with the status quo." Burlington Councillor Rick Goldring ed water. Halton Hills' well-based water system is fluoridated, as are the lake-based water systems supplying Burlington, Oakville and the newer developments in Milton. Best said that, as a representative of the only community without fluoride in its water, "not one person in my ward has asked for fluoridation." He added no other medical treatment is dispensed through drinking water. Burlington councillor Rick Goldring also supported the motion. "There's enough doubt here that I don't think we can carry on with the status quo," he said. Committee members also voted for staff to report back on the feasibility of an alternative way to get fluoride to the residents who want it. 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Sponsored by Wendy & Don Smith, Smith's Funeral Homes 905.632.9805 or on the web at MyMortgageInHalfTheTime.com Receive a FREE CD from Bruce just for coming out. Christmas Sale Put some art into your holiday gift giving with our annual Christmas Sale. With over 60 Canadian Artisans participating, there's lots to choose from for everyone on your gift list. presented by Arts Burlington " Strategies for Wealth Management." A $40.00 Value. PeaRl anniveRsaRy of Burlington & Greater Hamilton The motion to stop fluoridating went against the position expressed in a staff report by Halton Medical Officer of Health Bob Nosal. It states dental decay rates are lower in communities with fluoridated water than in those without it. For every $1 invested in fluoridating water, $38 is saved in treatment costs, it states. Nosal made it clear at the meeting he didn't agree with taking fluoride out of the water. "As medical officer of health, (I say) we should continue fluoridating the water supply," he told councillors. He pointed out that major organizations supporting fluoridation include the World Health Organization and Health Canada. Putting the $238,000 it takes to fluoridate Halton's water toward a "plan B" won't amount to much, he said. "That'll only be a drop in the bucket," he said, explaining alternative ways to deliver fluoride to residents will cost millions. "You can't do anything with $200,000; that's why we put it (fluoride) in the water." Dr. Robert Hawkins, Halton Region's public health dentist, explained one of the reasons fluoride in the water is so effective is there's no compliance factor. "Highrisk kids" who might not brush their teeth at all still get the benefits. Burlington councillor Carol D'Amelio asked Nosal why he didn't invoke the "cautionary principle" as he did with the issue of pesticides, in which he essentially erred on the safe side. Nosal replied the cautionary principle applies when there's a risk hazard involved, and he doesn't believe there is one here. "The evidence is clear that at the levels we're fluoridating, there is no health effect," he said. D'Amelio questioned whether it was practical to stop adding fluoride to water before looking at alternative ways to get fluoride to the residents who want it. "I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bath water," she said. Voting against the motion to stop fluoridating water were Regional Chair Gary Carr and D'Amelio. Councillors also recommended that the cost of the current fluoridation program -- about $238,000 -- be transferred to the health department from the infrastructure services and engineering budget. The committee's vote came after spirited presentations by 13 delegates -- three in favour of fluoridation, 10 against. "Fluoride is a toxic waste product that should never be allowed in drinking water," said Milton organic farmer Paul Bousfield. Trafalgar The McDougall Group a proud sponsor of the United Way 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A9 (905) 632 - 7796 www.BurlingtonArtCentre.on.ca See Flouride page 5