Some Yellowpoint area residents have unusually high levels of fluoride in their well water, which could lead to long-term health risks, say Malaspina research scientists | BCNG: "Although fluoride is a familiar treatment at the dentist's office, the element is a poison - slightly less so than arsenic according to the Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products handbook - that accumulates in the bones over years, leading to skeletal fluorosis or brittle bones and joints in the elderly. Very young children are also susceptible to the ill effects of too much fluoride, such as discoloured or misshapen teeth.

'We've seen examples of that misshapen teeth in the area,' he said. 'The young and old can really be impacted by this issue.'"