Montreal Ends Water Fluoridation Amid Controversy and Resident Outcry

Montreal Ends Water Fluoridation

Montreal officials decided to stop adding fluoride to the water supply. This change affects six suburbs on the Island of Montreal, which have used fluoridation since the 1950s. The decision comes after a resident, Ray Coelho, started a petition. He claims Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports his campaign against fluoride.

The city council, which includes suburban representatives, voted for this measure. Many mayors from the affected suburbs were unhappy. They stated they were not informed in a timely manner and felt the decision was undemocratic. Mayor Heidi Ektvedt of Baie d’Urfe expressed concern over the influence of conspiracy theories in the decision-making process, noting that many residents oppose it.

Montreal city councillor Maja Vodanovic defended the decision, asserting that it creates uniformity in the drinking water across the island. The water department had suggested this move earlier in the year due to costs and issues supplying fluoridation products.

Health organizations, including the World Health Organization and Health Canada, support water fluoridation for reducing tooth decay. However, the report from the water department stated health considerations were outside its expertise. The decision noted that only two treatment plants in Montreal currently use fluoride.

Kennedy, who is skeptical of vaccines and promotes health claims against fluoride, mentioned the mineral as “industrial waste” potentially harmful to health.

In summary, the decision to end water fluoridation has sparked public outcry and concerns about governmental transparency, highlighting a divide between municipal authorities and suburban residents.