Fluoride Latest News
Recently, an NGO assessed that, in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj, excess fluoride in drinking water is causing widespread fluorosis in several villages.
About Fluoride
- Fluoride is an inorganic, monatomic anion of fluorine with the chemical formula F−1.
- It is a common element that does not occur in the elemental state in nature because of its high reactivity.
- It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace amounts in the body.
- It is important for the integrity of bones and teeth. About 99% of the fluoride in the body is in the hard tissues.
- Sources of Fluoride
- It accounts for about 0.3 g/kg of the Earth’s crust and exists in the form of fluorides in a number of minerals, of which fluorspar, cryolite and fluorapatite are the most common.
- It is a mineral naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement.
- Soil, water, plants, and foods contain trace amounts of fluoride.
- Uses: It is used in aluminium production and as a flux in the steel and glass fibre industries. They can also be released to the environment during the production of phosphate fertilizers, bricks, tiles and ceramics.
Health Impact of Fluoride
- Dental fluorosis: High fluoride water can negatively impact children’s health, leading to dental fluorosis (discoloured or stained teeth)
- Skeletal (bone) fluorosis: It also causes potential skeletal fluorosis, which causes bone and joint issues.
Source: DTE
Fluoride FAQs
Q1: What is the disease caused by excessive fluoride consumption?
Ans: Fluorosis
Q2: Which organization sets the standards for fluoride in drinking water in India?
Ans: BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)
