Fluoride

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.

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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