SYDNEY, N.S. – A decision on whether to continue putting fluoride in drinking water in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality has been put on hold for 60 days.
After more than an hour of debate Tuesday, a committee of the whole opted to hear from proponents of water fluoridation, as well as opinions from the medical community.
It was the second time since 2009 that community activist Marlene Kane has tried to get the municipality to stop putting fluoride in the water systems in Sydney, North Sydney, Glace Bay and New Waterford.
She told the committee that overexposure to fluoride can cause dental fluorosis, which leaves pits and white marks on teeth, and alters the development of growing teeth in children.
Deputy Mayor Darren Bruckschwaiger said he would be extremely nervous to end the practice without recommendations from Health Canada or the provincial Health Department.
He said the public may not even be aware of the issue and they need time to be consulted.
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