BRAMPTON, ON – Mississauga resident, Liesa Cianchino, launched a lawsuit today against Peel Region and the Province of Ontario, challenging the lawfulness of adding fluoride to municipal drinking water.

Ms. Cianchino, who is the Chairperson of Concerned Residents of Peel to End Water Fluoridation, states that the risk of harm posed by water fluoridation greatly exceeds its speculative benefits, and that water fluoridation is both unconstitutional and a violation of the Ontario Safe Drinking Water Act.

Although fluoridated drinking water was once thought to be a key contributor in reducing tooth decay, modern science shows that fluoride works topically on the tooth and that nothing is gained by ingesting fluoride through drinking water.  Moreover, ingestion of fluoride over time can lead to significant adverse health effects, including dental fluorosis, a heightened risk of bone fractures, and even bone cancer.

The Claim also alleges that the Region’s use of fluorosilicic acid to fluoridate drinking water is negligent because fluorosilicic acid often contains dangerous contaminants, including arsenic, a known carcinogen.

“We can’t continue to allow outdated science to contaminate our drinking water,” said Ms. Cianchino in a statement today. “Our health and our environment are at risk.  We deserve safe drinking water.”

Nader R. Hasan, a lawyer representing Ms. Cianchino, added: “If the Region of Peel wants to medicate its residents using the drinking water, it better be sure that the benefits outweigh the harms.  The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms demands no less.”

The action will be heard in Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Brampton.

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