Local public health officials don’t want to jump into a debate on the pros and cons of the “fluoride debate.”

When questioned by a member of the Hastings and Prince Edward Board of Health earlier this week about public health’s stand, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Richard Schabas said areas of the Quinte region already have fluoride in the water.

He said it is a particular benefit to under-privileged children who cannot afford dental care.

Dr. Schabas said the fluoride issue “is often political, with public health coming down on the side of science and others coming down on the side of superstition.”