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.
Highlights
Fluoride is an essential oligo-element, beneficial for the development of bone and teeth (McDonagh et al 2000; Bouletreau et al 2006; Messaitfa 2008)
Melapilliyarkulam, Keezhapilliyarkulam, Nadupilliyarkulam, Keezhathenkalam are categorized as medium fluoride endemic areas (F1) and the other villages (Table 2) with optimum fluoride level are considered as normal areas (N)
26 % of children and 58 % of villagers residing in high fluoride endemic areas are severely affected by dental fluorosis
Summary
Fluoride is an essential oligo-element, beneficial for the development of bone and teeth (McDonagh et al 2000; Bouletreau et al 2006; Messaitfa 2008). Intake of large quantities of fluoride through drinking water than the optimal safe level is the primary reason for the prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis in various parts of world (Chowdhury and Shepherd 1990; Gopalakrishnan et al 1991; Infante 1975; Gopalakrishnan and Mebrahtom 2006; 2011; Zhu et al 2006; Karro et al 2006). Dental fluorosis is sensitive to even small changes in fluoride exposure from drinking water, and this sensitivity is greater at 1–3 years of age than at 4 or 5 years
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