Re: Councillors chip away at fluoride defenders, July 11 The News.

I was present at the board of health meeting on July 9, 2008, and Dr. Peter Wiebe did indeed state that the cost of fluoride was about $350,000 per year.

Did Dr. Wiebe not read the report he himself prepared for this meeting?

It clearly states that the cost of $350,000 per year was for 2007 based on the cost of fluoride at $380 a tonne. Starting June 2008, the cost of fluoride per tonne rose to $800, will increase to $1,020 per tonne in June 2009 and is anticipated to continue to rise due to sources moving offshore.

Dr. Wiebe should have stated that the cost of the fluoride chemical was presently $737,000 per year -- more than double the number he gave. Starting June 2009, less than one year from now, the cost will rise to $940,000 per year. This is a difference of $590,000 that could be used for alternative treatments. Is the public being misled?

Diane Sprules

Oakville