Health Canada Recommends Reducing Fluoride

July 30, 2008 9:11 a.m. EST

Ottawa, Ontario (AHN) - A Health Canada expert panel has recommended a reduction of exposure to fluoride, especially among young Canadians. Cuts on fluoride levels in drinking water, toothpaste and infant formula were among the measures suggested.

While fluoride is known to be a cavity fighter, the chemical has been linked by some public health advocates to lower intelligence, a rare type of bone cancer and mottling of children's teeth.

The panel concluded evidence does not support the connection between fluoride and cancer, but it still recommended lesser amounts of fluoride to lessen the risk of fluorosis among young children, said Steven Levy, a panel member.

Flourosis occurs when there is excess ingestion of fluoride during the years when the teeth are still being formed. Fluoride damages the enamel-forming cells and causes the sub-surface enamel of the teeth to increase in porosity.

Health Canada's recommendation is to reduce the fluoride level in drinking water to 0.7 parts per million from the present standard of 0.8 ppm to 1 ppm.