Safe Water Calgary, a private interest group, has filed an injunction at the Alberta Court of King's Bench to halt the fluoridation of Calgary's drinking water, citing health risks to children.
dr-drapeu-mcnally.jpg
Despite a 2021 plebiscite where 62% of Calgarians voted in favor of reintroducing fluoride to the water system, the group argues that fluoride is not safe or effective and poses a public health threat. They claim that the decision made by the voting minority does not represent the will of the entire population. The city has spent over $28 million upgrading its water treatment plants to facilitate fluoridation. The injunction is set to be heard in court alongside a rally supporting the group's cause. Dentists and dental organizations typically advocate for fluoridated water, citing its benefits in preventing tooth decay. However, anti-fluoridation groups like Safe Water Calgary maintain that fluoride contains toxic substances and can be harmful, particularly to young children. The debate surrounding the addition of fluoride to drinking water continues to be contentious, with arguments on both sides focusing on the potential health implications and the ethical considerations of mass medication.