A group protesting fluoride in municipal water took their campaign to city hall on Monday.

Paul Brisebois, of Fluoride Free Cornwall, presented their case against the chemical, suggesting the city should follow the example of dozens of other municipalities that have stopped using fluoride in their water.

“Members of council are free to remove it if they wish,” he said. “…It’s Cornwall’s turn to act.”

Brisebois said false information and misleading marketing has convinced residents fluoride has benefits, though it’s actually toxic.

“It’s a scam,” he said, suggesting dozens of health problems could arise in the future because of the small, but consistent, doses.

“I think we’re not doing any good for our children,” he added.

Council passed the presentation on to staff for a report, but Mayor Bob Kilger said the Eastern Ontario Health Unit is pretty clear in its support for the use of fluoride.

A 2011 report from chief medical officer of health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis calls fluoridation “one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century” because of its contribution to reducing tooth decay.

But Brisebois said even if the city can’t agree on the risks or benefits of fluoridation, they should end the practice because of the expense.

He said gallons of fluoridated water are being wasted on washing cars and watering lawns, costing the city around $35,000 a year.

“Ninety-five percent of the water you’re taking the time to fluoridate is going down the drain,” he said.

“This is a chance to save some money.”

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