Drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in Shandong Province in 2016

Abstract

Objective To grasp the current situation of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in Province, and provide a scientific basis for formulating preventive strategies. Methods In 2016, according to the National Surveillance Scheme of Drinking Water-Borne Endemic Fluorosis and Shandong Provincial Surveillance Scheme of Drinking Water-Borne Endemic Fluorosis, 10 counties (cities, districts) were selected in Province, 3-5 villages were selected in each county (city, district), to investigate the operation of water improvement and fluorine reduction project and the water fluorine, and 1 tap water sample in each village was collected to detect water fluorine. At the same time, dental fluorosis examination was performed on all children aged 8-12 years old and fluorosis X-ray examination was performed on adults aged ≥25 years old. Water fluorine was detected by ion selective electrode method; the water fluorine was determined according to Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB 5749-2006); criteria for diagnosis, grading and epidemic intensity of dental fluorosis were based on Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis (WS/T 208-2011); the diagnostic and grading criteria for skeletal fluorosis were based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS 192-2008). Results All the 32 villages in 10 counties (cities, districts) changed water, water improvement and fluorine reduction project ran normally, 24 villages had qualified water fluorine (≤1.20 mg/L), and 8 villages had water fluorine exceeding the standard. The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children was 25.75% (419/1 627), and the difference between 10 counties (cities, districts) was statistically significant (χ2 = 288.55, P < 0.01); the dental fluorosis index was 0.48, and the defect rate was 2.77% (45/1 627). The detection rate of skeletal fluorosis in adults was 4.72% (72/1 525), and the difference between 10 counties (cities, districts) was statistically significant (χ2 = 18.83, P < 0.01). Conclusions The problem of water fluorine exceeding the standard in water improvement and fluorine reduction project in Province is still serious. The condition of fluorosis has not been fully controlled, and the prevention and treatment measures need to be further strengthened. Key words: Endemic diseases; Fluorosis, dental; Skeletal fluorosis; Epidemiological monitoring; Data collection