Hamilton will continue to fluoridate its water supply.

Council voted 9-7 last night to support staff’s recommendation to maintain fluoride in the system, but reduce the level from 0.7 to 0.6 milligrams per litre.

Councillor Tom Jackson acknowledged the controversial issue has been a difficult decision. In the end, he said he had to support the expertise of dental and medical professionals who believe the chemical is critical for preventing dental decay.

But Councillor Terry Whitehead, who opposes water fluoridation, said he’s swayed by the growing body of research that links fluoride to medical conditions, like autism.

“Do we want to take the risk?” he asked, noting he has a personal interest because his son is autistic. “Believe me I’ll take the cavities over autism any day.” Flamborough Councillor Margaret McCarthy agreed, calling the decision a “moral question.”

Public health staff found alternative ways of delivering fluoride were more expensive.

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