Ongoing repairs at the Vermilion Water Treatment Plant have lowered fluoride below optimal levels for some residents of Greater Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts said in a news release that levels of fluoride are below what is considered optimal for oral health.
“There are no immediate health risks to the public,” Public Health said. “The interruption to fluoridation means that residents who receive their water supply from the Vermilion Water Treatment Plant are not receiving optimal amounts of fluoride through their drinking water.”
This interruption affects residents in the following locations:
- Atikameksheng Anishnawbek
- Copper Cliff
- Little Creighton
- Lively
- Mikkola
- Naughton
- Whitefish
The Vermilion plant is owned and operated by Vale.
In an email to Sudbury.com, company spokesperson Fernanda Trevisan said the repair work being conducted involves the fluoridation system at the Vermilion treatment plant.
“The repairs are expected to be completed within one week,” Trevisan said. “During this period, the Vermilion Water Treatment Plant continues to operate normally and is providing safe, high-quality drinking water to the community.”
Information provided by Public Health suggests the issue at the plant has been ongoing for more than three months.
“In accordance with the requirements of the Ontario Public Health Standards, Public Health Sudbury & Districts reviews drinking water quality reports for all municipal drinking water supplies in which fluoride is added and is required to inform affected residents when fluoride concentrations in their water supply fall outside the therapeutic levels (0.6–0.8 ppm) for more than 90 consecutive days,” the health unit said.
As most people are aware, fluoride is added to drinking water systems to prevent tooth decay.
Public Health said it will continue to monitor the situation and update the public when the fluoride concentration returns to optimal levels.
“Affected residents can ensure that they continue to protect their dental health by brushing their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste,” the health unit said in a news release. “Residents at higher risk of tooth decay or who have any concerns about the impact of the reduced fluoride levels on their oral health, may wish to consult their family dentist regarding additional preventive measures.”
The use of additional products containing fluoride must be recommended by an oral health professional after an assessment of individual oral health and risk for tooth decay.
Children and seniors from households with low-income may qualify for preventive oral health services offered by Public Health Sudbury & Districts. For more information about these services, please call 705-522-9200, ext. 236 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
Original article online at: https://www.sudbury.com/health-and-wellness/treatment-plant-issue-lowers-fluoride-levels-in-some-parts-of-the-city-12051058