Recently, a non-governmental organization (NGO) reported that excess fluoride in drinking water in several villages of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, has resulted in widespread fluorosis among the local population. This incident highlights a serious public health concern arising from groundwater contamination.
About Fluoride
Fluoride is an inorganic, monatomic anion of fluorine with the chemical formula F⁻. Due to its high reactivity, fluorine does not occur in the elemental state in nature. Fluoride is considered a beneficial nutrient in trace amounts and plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of bones and teeth. Nearly 99% of fluoride in the human body is stored in hard tissues, mainly bones and teeth.
Sources of Fluoride
Fluoride constitutes about 0.3 g/kg of the Earth’s crust and occurs naturally in the form of fluorides in several minerals such as fluorspar, cryolite, and fluorapatite. It is a naturally occurring mineral present in many foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. Trace amounts of fluoride are found in soil, water, plants, and food items.
Apart from natural sources, fluoride is released into the environment through industrial activities. It is widely used in aluminium production and as a flux in the steel and glass fibre industries. Fluoride emissions also occur during the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers, bricks, tiles, and ceramics.
Health Impacts of Excess Fluoride
Excessive intake of fluoride, particularly through drinking water, can cause serious health disorders.
Dental Fluorosis
High fluoride concentration in drinking water, especially affecting children, leads to dental fluorosis, which is characterized by discolouration, staining, and pitting of teeth.
Skeletal Fluorosis
Long-term exposure to high levels of fluoride results in skeletal fluorosis, affecting bones and joints. It causes joint pain, stiffness, bone deformities, and restricted mobility in severe cases.
Conclusion
Although fluoride is essential in small quantities for maintaining bone and dental health, its excess intake becomes a major public health hazard, particularly in groundwater-dependent rural areas. The situation in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, emphasizes the urgent need for safe drinking water, monitoring of fluoride levels, and effective mitigation measures
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