Prevalence of fluorosis and identification of fluoride endemic areas in Manur block of Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, South India

Abstract

Prevalence of fluorosis is mainly due to the consumption of more fluoride through drinking water. It is necessary to identify the fluoride endemic areas to adopt remedial measures for the people under the risk of fluorosis. The objectives of this study were to identify the exact location of fluoride endemic areas in Manur block of Tirunelveli District and to estimate fluoride exposure level through drinking water for different age groups. Identification of fluoride endemic areas was performed through Isopleth and Google earth mapping techniques. Fluoride level in drinking water samples was estimated by fluoride ion selective electrode method. A systematic clinical survey conducted in 19 villages of Manur block revealed the rate of prevalence of fluorosis. From this study, it has been found that Alavanthankulam, Melapilliyarkulam, Keezhapilliyarkulam, Nadupilliyarkulam, Keezhathenkalam and Papankulam are the fluoride endemic villages, where the fluoride level in drinking water is above 1 mg/l. Consumption of maximum fluoride exposure levels of 0.30 mg/ kg/day for infants, 0.27 mg/kg/day for children and 0.15 mg/kg/day for adults were found among the respective age group people residing in high fluoride endemic area. As compared with adequate intake level of fluoride of 0.01 mg/kg/day for infants and 0.05 mg/kg/day for other age groups, the health risk due to excess fluoride intake to the people of Alavanthankulam and nearby areas has become evident. Hence the people of these areas are advised to consume drinking water with optimal fluoride to avoid further fluorosis risks.

Estimation of fluoride uptake in soil and staple food crops produced in highly fluoridated and non-fluoridated regions of Raichur District, Karnataka

“…[ 15 ] In comparison with food crops such as rice, jowar and redgram fluoride retention is normally found to be higher with a jowar-based diet due to molybdenum content, which has fluoride retaining ability. [ 16 ] The fact about molybdenum ingestion is known to cause secondary deficiency of copper, which is necessary element for bone and teeth development. [ 17 ]…”

High prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis in the rural children of Bankura District, West Bengal, India

“…Thus cooking methods and dietary pattern also play an important role in the changing pattern of fluorosis occurrence. The intrinsic factors, like acidity in the stomach modulates the absorption of soluble fluoride in the body 9 . The Administration had also played an important role for the management of fluorosis.…”

“…The World Health Organisation and the Indian Council of Medical Research have recommended that the permissible level of fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 ppm 7,8 . Fluorosis is slowly progressive affecting most organs and tissues in the body, resulting in symptoms which overlap with those of other disorders 9 . Twenty four countries, including India, are affected by this disease.…”

The Effect of Prenatal and Neonatal Fluoride Exposure to Morphine-Induced Neuroinflammation

“…In non-endemic areas, daily intake in children and adults reaches an average of 3-4.4 mg/day [22]. However, in endemic areas, the level of fluoride intake might be on average 8.4 mg [23], 12.1 +/− 4.1 from water, and additionally 3.4 +/− 2.43 mg from diet [24] or even up to 14-19 mg daily in children and adults in high fluoride endemic areas, and 7.5-11 mg/L in medium endemic areas [25]. Because fluoride readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, chronic exposure to even low doses of this element leads to its accumulation in neural tissues and central nervous system dysfunction [26].…”