Fluoride concentration in bottled drinking water from a fluoride endemic area: A market-based survey.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the fluoride concentrations of bottled water commercially available in southern Algeria and report the non-carcinogenic health risk via daily human intake. By 2021, 28 commercial brands were obtained from different supermarkets in Ouargla, Algeria. Fluoride was measured using a validated spectrophotometric method. The fluoride risk quotient (HQ) and the estimated daily intake (EDI) were calculated. All the brands did not mention the fluoride content on the label. The mean level was 0.40±0.42mg/L, and a wide range was found [0.00-1.65mg/L]. The average was below the WHO standard. Most samples (75%, n=21) contained less than 0.50mg/L, which can cause dental caries. The HQ values average were less than 1, suggesting no health risk associated with drinking bottled water. With the increasing consumption of bottled water, this work is important for primary prevention programs for dental caries. The main contribution is the constitution of a database concerning the fluoride levels in bottled water marketed in southern Algeria. Labelling of fluoride concentrations by manufacturers should be mandatory.