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11 · Thursday, December 8, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Meeting to discuss d fl fluoridation d in Halton l water set f for Jan. 10 Continued from page 5 dence from all currently available studies do not support a link between exposure to fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L and any adverse health effects -- including those related to cancer, immunotoxicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, genotoxicity and/or neurotoxicity. The report also does not support a link between fluoride exposure and intelligence quotient (IQ) deficit, as there are significant concerns regarding the available studies, including quality, credibility, and methodological weaknesses. As a result, the optimal concentration of fluoride in drinking water for dental health has been determined to be 0.7 mg/L for communities that fluoridate. Of the possible effects due to prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoridated water, skeletal fluorosis is the most serious adverse health effect, according to Health Canada. Skeletal fluorosis can occur at very high exposure levels, but has rarely been documented in Canada. Ontario's Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care says the benefits of water fluoridation are well documented. It states according to expert research, fluoridated drinking water reduces the number of cavities in children's teeth, which contributes to their healthy development. Reductions of tooth decay have also been observed in adults and seniors who reside in communities with fluoridated water. The ministry referred to an American Dental Association report that said water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by an estimated 20 to 40 per cent. Some communities across Canada have The committee meeting is set for already ended water fluoridation. Waterloo narrowly passed a vote last year to end fluo- Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Council ridation. In May, Calgary city council ended Chambers at the Halton Regional Complex fluoridation, with an estimated cost saving of $750,000 a year. In Halton, the Region adds fluoride to the water supply in Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville and the new developments in Milton. Municipal water in old Milton, supplied by ground water, doesn't have fluoride added. A 2006 regional report shows 22 per cent of nine year olds in Halton had fluorosis and 64 per cent of those cases were mild fluorosis and the symptoms were only cosmetic. As of 2007, 45.1 per cent of Canadians had access to fluoridated water supplies, according to the Canadian Dental Association. The percentage of the Canadian population with fluoridated water differs -- from 3.7 per cent in B.C., 6.4 per cent in Québec and 1.5 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador to 75.9 per cent in Ontario and 69.9 per cent in Manitoba. The Town's health department is preparing a report on water fluoridation in Halton for January. The panel recommended those who oppose water fluoridation should attend Halton Region's Health and Social Services Committee meeting in January where the issue will be discussed -- and later voted on at a regional council meeting. "It just doesn't make sense to me that you can't dispose of this in our environment, in any way -- in our land or in the ocean or in the lakes. So why is it safe to put it in drinking water?" said Cindy Mayor, a member of Canadians Opposed to Fluoridation. at 1151 Bronte Rd. For information on Oakvillegreen, visit www.oakvillegreen.org. Peachtree Gallery Custom Framing informal, boutique-style framing shop www.peachtree-gallery.com 540 Postridge Dr., Oakville SEASON'S GREETINGS Quality Framing At Great r Prices for Christmas! YEAR-END YEAR Y YE EAR-EN AR-EN END D 905.842.6114 CLEARANCE CLEA C LEARANCE LE EA ARA ANCE NCE NC CE on everything Going on now through December 21st 20-70% OFF SALE HAPPENING NOW! DESIGN SERVICES THOMASVILLE BURLINGTON 2269 Fairview Street, Burlington Ph. 905-631-6000 SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE Please see store for full details } Available at both locations ELIZABETH INTERIORS 409 Brant Street, Burlington Ph. 905-333-6670 1-888-846-7845