Accessibility and Access Keys [0]
Gatineau Councillor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin is using his Facebook site to advocate fluoridation of the city’s water supply — while many of his colleagues reject the idea despite widespread evidence that it prevents tooth decay.
Pedneaud-Jobin, who represents Buckingham, was a spokesman for the Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais, West Quebec’s health agency.
“Fluoridation is one of the best tools to improve dental health that we have,” Pedneaud-Jobin said. “There are 30-per-cent fewer cavities in Ontario because the cities add fluoride to the drinking water.
“This is a delicate issue because many people don’t want fluoride in their water. Ottawa has had fluoridation for almost 50 years — there is no evidence that it causes any problems.” Pedneaud-Jobin said Quebec and Ontario environment ministry studies show fluoride in water does not cause health problems or harm aquatic life.
Gatineau residents writing to Pedneaud-Jobin are evenly divided on the fluoridation issue. He said most councillors don’t want fluoride in drinking water. City council is to discuss the issue behind closed doors on May 4.
Councillor Alain Riel, the chair of Gatineau’s environment committee, said he opposes it because of studies showing possible health and environmental problems, but would would not elaborate. Riel said a public debate on the issue should be held in May.
Gatineau doesn’t have fluoridation because the Outaouais regional government — which existed before the amalgamation of Gatineau in 2001 — rejected it in 1987 after a citizens’ group convinced people the additive could cause health problems and environmental damage.
© Copyright © The Ottawa Citizen