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Fluoride: how much is too much?

Broadcast Date: June 3, 1999

While water fluoridation is approved and endorsed by the Canadian Dental Association, new research is shedding light on the growing concern of over-fluoridation.
Fluoride is still considered safe in water supplies at one part per million but many of us may receive beyond that amount. Fluoride can be increasingly found in everyday consumer products such as baby formulas, mouthwash, toothpaste and processed foods.

The concern is that dental fluorisis may lead to skeletal flurosis which can cause severe arthritic symptoms. One of the first signs of skeletal fluorisis, according to Dr. Hardy Limeback is achy joints.
Dr. Limeback, University of Toronto dentistry professor, sends the dental world in a tizzy with his findings. He used to side with the pro-water fluoridation camp but his research makes him change his stance.

He concludes to the delight of fluoride opponents such as nutritionist Janet Budgell, that since the element is present in various other sources there's no longer the need to continue adding fluoride in our drinking supply.
He goes to say that some children are getting too much of the stuff in fluoridated communities.

It's a controversial stance and one that is refuted by the Canadian Dental Association as voiced in this report by Dr. Hazel Stewart, Director of Toronto Public Health.

Everyone agrees that more study is needed into fluoridation.

Fluoride: how much is too much?

• On Dec. 12, 2001, the town of Cobalt became the first community in Ontario to vote against water fluoridation.
• Halifax added fluoride to its water supply in 1956.
• Saint John began fluoridating its water supply in 1992.

Fluoride: how much is too much?

Medium: Television

Program: CBC Television News

Broadcast Date: June 3, 1999

Guest(s): Janet Budgell, Hardy Limeback, Hazel Stewart

Host: Suhana Meharchand

Duration: 7:53

Last updated:
Sept. 1, 2009