Geochemistry of fluoride in the environment and human health
Chandrajith R, Dissanayake CB, Barth J (2023)
Publication Type: Authored book
Publication year: 2023
Publisher: wiley
ISBN: 9781119867371
DOI: 10.1002/9781119867371.ch9
Abstract
Fluoride is considered an essential element for dental health hence is added to many water supplies and toothpaste. On the other hand, high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water can also be detrimental to health. Dental (mottled enamel) and skeletal fluorosis are the most common health impacts that can occur due to drinking high fluoride water among many others. Fluoride enters the human body primarily from drinking water supplies. Groundwater, which is the main source of drinking water in tropical countries, encountered higher content of fluoride. The source of excess fluoride in groundwater is mostly geogenic in origin. Particularly in deep groundwater fluoride contents are higher due to longer contact time with fluoride-bearing minerals compared to shallow and surface waters. Content in fluoride in groundwater is primarily limited by the solubility of fluoride-bearing minerals, alkalinity of the solution, and presence of calcium. Water containing excess fluoride is colorless and tasteless, and chemical tests are required to detect its presence. The World Health Organization has set a recommended limit for fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L due to its potential detrimental health impacts but such limits are not acceptable for tropical countries.
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APA:
Chandrajith, R., Dissanayake, C.B., & Barth, J. (2023). Geochemistry of fluoride in the environment and human health. wiley.
MLA:
Chandrajith, Rohana, C. B. Dissanayake, and Johannes Barth. Geochemistry of fluoride in the environment and human health. wiley, 2023.
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