Residents of some communities in Oxford County are being told that their drinking water may have higher than usual levels of fluoride and sodium.
Southwestern Public Health (SPH) issued the notification on Thursday. It says regular water testing has discovered the elevated levels of both substances.
"Southwestern Public Health is issuing a public reminder about levels of naturally present fluoride and sodium in some of Oxford County’s municipal drinking water which may pose a concern for specific residents," it said. "Parents with children seven years of age and under should be aware of fluoride exposure to prevent dental fluorosis, while those on sodium-restricted diets should pay close attention to sodium they may be consuming from municipal water."
According to SPH, fluoride levels up to 2.4 milligrams per litre are safe to drink, fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L may cause dental fluorosis (discolouration of the teeth) in children seven years of age and under. It says levels above 1.5 mg/L have been found in the communities of Brownsville, Ingersoll, Lakeside, Mount Elgin, and Oxford South during recent sampling events. Households in those communities that have young children are being advised to reduce exposure to fluoride from other sources, like fluoridated toothpaste. It recommends choosing non-fluoride toothpaste.
SPH also reported elevated sodium levels (above the recommended level of 20 mg/L) in the communities of Bright, Brownsville, Embro, Ingersoll, Mount Elgin, Oxford South, Plattsville, Tavistock, Thamesford, Tillsonburg, and Woodstock. According to SPH, this is only of concern to people on sodium-restricted diets. Those people include people with kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure or liver disease. These residents are advised to speak with their doctor.
"Fluoride and sodium are naturally-occurring minerals in Oxford County’s water supply. While these minerals are harmless for most people, those with health challenges that could be impacted by excess sodium in their diet should be keenly aware of the sodium content in drinking water," said Amy Pavletic, Program Manager, Environmental Health. "As well, parents in certain communities should note fluoride levels, which could cause cosmetic dental discolouration in young children. It’s all about giving residents the information they need to make the best decisions for their personal and family’s health.”