Endemic fluorosis in Rajasthan

Chronic fluoride (F) toxicity in the form of osteo-dental fluorosis was observed in both sexes of children and adults from ten villages viz., Bhavanpura, Dovada, Genhuwara, Gokulpura, Hathai, Kahela, Mandav, Nalwara, Pratappura and Samota located in the vicinity of alive F mines of Dungarpur district (Rajasthan) where F concentration in drinking waters varied from 1.2 to 8.9 ppm. At 1.7 and 6.1 mean F concentrations, 70.6% and 100.0% of children (< 18 years) and 68.0% and 100.0% adults, respectively, were found to be affected with dental fluorosis of varying grades. No much sex difference was seen in prevalence of dental fluorosis. Both prevalence and severity of dental mottling were found to be increased with increasing of F concentration and were found maximum in the 17-22 years age group. At these same F concentrations, 7.4% and 37.7% adults (> 21 years) were showing evidence of skeletal fluorosis, respectively. Although, skeletal fluorosis was also found in children with low prevalence (5.2%) but at high F concentration (4.8 ppm). The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was relatively higher in males and increased with higher F level and age. Deformities such as crippling, kyphosis, invalidism and genu-varum were observed frequently in higher age group subjects (> 48 years) at a F concentration of 3.3 ppm. None of fluorotic individuals revealed evidence of genu-valgum syndrome and goitre (thyroidism). Radiological findings of other deformities in fluorotic subjects were also found. The distribution of F and endemic fluorosis in different districts of Rajasthan state have also been reviewed.