Amherstburg urged to keep fluoride

The area's medical officer of health is urging Amherstburg council to keep fluoride in the town's drinking water.

Doctor Allen Heimann said fluoride is not harmful, as some people claim, and it's the most economical way to keep teeth healthy.

"When fluoride is removed from the drinking water you get an increase of dental decay and dental carries," Heimann said. "So, what we're trying to do is look at an equitable public health intervention."

Amherstburg is now the latest local community to embark on a fluoride debate.

Last fall, Lakeshore stopped adding fluoride at its Stoney Point treatment plant.

That town council unanimously decided to stop adding it.

In Windsor, a group called Fluoride Free Windsor boasts 200 members and wants it removed from the city's water.

The Windsor Utilities Commission is studying the issue.

However, Windsor is contractually obligated to add fluoride until 2014. That licence is up for renewal in 2014. Only then could fluoride be removed by vote of council.