Fluoride stops decay, but city still bleeds
Saint John city officials are looking for ways to balance the budget, one step under consideration is to stop fluoridation of the city's water supply.
Financial problems have been going on for some years in the New Brunswick port city.
- From Sep 16, 2002 - Saint John facing multi-million dollar budget crunch
Saint John began adding fluoride to its water back in the 1980s, to help fight tooth decay among residents.
The city spends about $100,000 per year to fluoridate the water. Stephen Chase, a municipal councillor, says the investment is a waste of money.
"Here we are, a city under great financial restraints," Chase says, "let's get out of a program that has questionable value begin with."
Chase says fluoride is already available in tooth paste and people have access to fluoride treatments through their dentists.
But Dr. Jeff Piekarski says fluoridation has a proven track record, and helps people who need it most.
"It does reduce dental decay in the population that uses it, and I see that everyday, and you can read scientific papers that are published on that as well," Piekarski says.
There are other ways Saint John could save $100,000, says Mayor Shirley McAlary.
"I think its good that the councillors are looking at all kinds of issues on how we could save money, or how we do business," she says. "The fluoride issue has been discussed at council before. We will, if it comes to vote, need to have the medical opinion and public health opinion."
The Mayor says she'll keep fluoridation, despite the city's budget crunch. Meanwhile, city council has called for a report on whether Saint John can save $100,000 on fluoridation, or if councillors should look elsewhere to make savings. The report is due to be released later this fall.
- Official site - Saint John - Budget 2003