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Excess Fluoride in Sonbhadra’s Groundwater

Context: Uttar Pradesh’s 2nd largest district Sonbhadra, is facing a big problem related to Fluoride contamination in drinking water.

About Fluoride

  • Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, plants and rocks.
  • Chemical Nature: It is the ionic form of fluorine, a highly reactive element.
Reason?
  • Granite rocks found in this region naturally release fluoride into the water.
  • Since most villagers rely on borewells and hand pumps for drinking water, they are unknowingly consuming high levels of fluoride.

Sources

  • Natural: Groundwater and volcanic emissions.
  • Artificial: Added to water supplies, dental products like toothpaste and some pharmaceuticals.

Uses of Fluoride

  • Dental Health: Strengthens Tooth Enamel & reduces cavities.
  • Industrial Applications: Used in the manufacturing of aluminium, pesticide, and refrigerants.
  • Public Health: Added to drinking water to reduce dental decay, known as water fluoridation.

Health Concerns

  • Fluorosis:
    • Dental Fluorosis: Overexposure to fluoride during childhood can lead to white spots or streaks on teeth.
    • Skeletal Fluorosis: Prolonged high fluoride intake can cause joint pain, stiffness and damage to bones.
  • Neurotoxicity: High levels of fluoride exposure may impair cognitive development in children.
  • Thyroid Function: Excess fluoride affects thyroid function.
Fluoride Contamination in India
  • Permissible Limit:
    • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – 1-1.5 mg /l. It is believed that levels above or below this could cause dental decay.
    • WHO – 1.5 mg/L
  • Fluoride levels exceeding permissible limits have been detected in isolated pockets across 370 districts in 23 states.
  • Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and West Bengal are the relatively high-fluoride-contaminated states in India.

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About the Author

Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!