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.
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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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