Health risk from fluoride exposure of a population in selected areas of Tamil Nadu South India

Prevalence of fluorosis is a public health problem in many states of India. It is necessary to find out the different sources through which fluoride enters human metabolism. Only when the sources are identified, suitable remedial measures can be initiated. This study was attempted to find out the contribution of fluoride from various sources such as drinking water, staple food grains, cooked rice, green leafy vegetables and cow milk in the selected area of the study. Percentage of incidence of fluorosis was estimated using a clinical survey. Calculated community fluorosis index values in all the 22 villages were greater than the accepted index value. Fluoride intake from all manor dietary sources of different age groups such as infants, children, adolescents, adults and aged above 70 was determined. The study revealed that, of all the sources, fluoride contribution from drinking water is significant irrespective of age. Hence, it is advised that people of South India, where there similarity in diet pattern, consume drinking water with lesser fluoride to minimize the debilitating effect of fluoride. The study also recommends to the government authorities concerned with supply to provide water with low fluoride level.