Some current aspects of environmental fluoride

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Inorganic fluoride is a persistent bioaccumulator with increasing environmental release.
• Growing concern exists regarding long-term fluoride exposure in susceptible human populations.
• Specific at-risk groups include individuals with impaired kidney function and inadequate dietary intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a Total Environment evaluation of current inorganic fluoride intake in human populations.
• To identify and assess the risks associated with increasing fluoride exposure.
• To highlight vulnerable sub-groups and contributing factors to fluoride intoxication.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on inorganic fluoride intake and its environmental sources.
• Analysis of population sub-groups at higher risk due to physiological or dietary factors.
• Examination of trends in daily fluoride intake through the food and beverage chain.

Main Results:

• Evidence indicates an escalation in daily inorganic fluoride intake via the human food-and-beverage chain.
• Individuals with impaired kidney function, including those with nephropathic diabetes, are at increased risk.
• Inadequate dietary intake of calcium and/or Vitamin C exacerbates risks from chronic low-dose fluoride ingestion.
• An increasing incidence of chronic fluoride intoxication in humans has been observed.

Conclusions:

• The escalating environmental fluoride levels and increasing dietary intake necessitate long-term health concern.
• Vulnerable populations, such as those with kidney dysfunction or specific dietary deficiencies, require targeted monitoring and potential intervention.
• Continued monitoring of fluoride intake and its health implications is crucial for public health protection.