Fluorosis in telangana

Fluorosis in Telangana

Even as the Telangana State is yet to tackle the dreaded disease of fluorosis in Nalgonda district caused due to presence of alarming levels of fluoride in its ground water, there is more bad news for the State.  The tentacles of fluorosis that leaves people crippled is threatening to spread across the State as nine out of 10 districts barring Hyderabad has high levels of fluoride content in the potable water.  The data on the basis of water sample study commissioned by Centre across the country and uploaded in the net revealed startling facts. The fluoride levels in nine districts of Telangana except Hyderabad account for high content of fluoride while it should be below 0.5 ppm or 0.5 mg/l  In fact water samples in Adilabad turned out to be worse than that of Nalgonda followed by Ranga Reddy, Khammam and Medak districts respectively, says Dr. D.Raja Reddy, who had been working for containing the adverse impact of fluorosis on people through better Nutrition with optimum intake of calcium, magnesium and Vitamin C.  Hyderabad was not included in the study as it got good water from Manjira, Krishna, Godavari rivers and tanks receiving rain waters.

Fluorosis is a disease caused by excessive intake of fluorides through water, beverages like tea and food and the disease is further aggravated by Malnutrition. About 66 million people in 21 States across the country are at risk of contracting fluorosis and six million are already crippled because of it. It is a major Health concern in the country and more so in Telangana where people mainly depend on ground water, he says.  Rural Telangana was more at risk for fluorosis as widely prevalent malnutrition aggravates fluorosis incidence, points out Dr.Raja Reddy, former Director of Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences and Consultant Neurosurgeon of Apollo Hospitals.

Even if surface water from tanks in some areas is good with permissible limits of fluoride, they are bad due to bacterial contamination of E.Coli. Raja Reddy suggested that the Government should take up an exercise to identify the water source/ borewell in each village which has lowest fluoride level among all water sources and direct villagers only to use that source for drinking and cooking. The fluoride content of every drinking water source should be displayed so that people avoid such waters.

To brace one self from bacterial contamination of water and diarrhoea, which is the third leading cause of death of Indians, drinking water should be mandatorily consumed only after boiling and cooling in all rural areas without protected water supplies. Till such time Government could supply surface water from perennial rivers for drinking and cooking needs of people in areas with excessive amount of fluorides in ground water and take measures to store rain water, the above measures become imperative for public health.

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Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in water, Soil, and rocks. It is also added to some toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by making the teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.

Fluoride toxicity

Fluoride toxicity can occur when a person consumes too much fluoride. This can happen if a person drinks water that has too much fluoride, or if they use toothpaste or mouthwash that contains too much fluoride. Fluoride toxicity can cause a number of problems, including:

• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Seizures
• Coma

Fluoride in drinking water

The amount of fluoride in drinking water is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride in drinking water of 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This means that the EPA does not want the fluoride level in drinking water to exceed 4 mg/L.

Fluoride in toothpaste

The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is regulated by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA recommends that toothpaste for adults contain 1,000 to 1,500 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. Toothpaste for children under 3 years old should contain no more than 500 ppm of fluoride.

Fluoride in mouthwash

The amount of fluoride in mouthwash is not regulated by the FDA. However, most mouthwashes contain between 0.05 and 0.2% fluoride.

Fluoride supplements

Fluoride supplements are available in tablet, liquid, and chewable forms. The amount of fluoride in a supplement varies depending on the product. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful.

Fluoride and pregnancy

It is generally safe for pregnant Women to consume fluoride. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful to your baby.

Fluoride and breastfeeding

It is generally safe for breastfeeding women to consume fluoride. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful to your baby.

Fluoride and children

Fluoride is important for children’s teeth. It helps to prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before giving your child a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful.

Fluoride and adults

Fluoride is important for adults’ teeth. It helps to prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful.

Fluoride and older adults

Fluoride is important for older adults’ teeth. It helps to prevent tooth decay. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement, as too much fluoride can be harmful.

Fluoride and people with kidney disease

People with kidney disease should not take fluoride supplements. This is because fluoride can build up in the body and cause problems.

Fluoride and people with thyroid disease

People with thyroid disease should not take fluoride supplements. This is because fluoride can interfere with thyroid function.

Fluoride and people with osteoporosis

People with osteoporosis should not take fluoride supplements. This is because fluoride can increase the risk of fractures.

Fluoride and people with other health conditions

If you have any other health conditions, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking a fluoride supplement.

1. Fluoride is a mineral that is found in water, soil, and rocks. It is also added to some toothpastes and mouthwashes.
2. Fluoride is important for preventing tooth decay. It helps to make teeth stronger and more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
3. However, too much fluoride can be harmful. It can cause a condition called fluorosis, which can discolor teeth and make them brittle.
4. Fluorosis is most common in children who live in areas with high levels of fluoride in the water. It can also be caused by drinking fluoridated water or using fluoridated toothpaste in excess.

5. If you are concerned about fluoride, talk to your dentist. They can help you determine how much fluoride is right for you and your family.

6. Which of the following is not a source of fluoride?
   (A) Water
   (B) Soil
   (C) Rocks
   (D) Toothpaste

7. Fluoride is important for preventing which of the following?
   (A) Tooth decay
   (B) Cavities
   (C) Gum disease
   (D) All of the above

8. Too much fluoride can cause a condition called which of the following?
   (A) Fluorosis
   (B) Scurvy
   (C) Rickets
   (D) None of the above

9. Fluorosis is most common in which of the following groups?
   (A) Children
   (B) Adults
   (C) The elderly
   (D) All of the above

10. If you are concerned about fluoride, you should talk to your which of the following?
    (A) Doctor
    (B) Dentist
    (C) Pharmacist
    (D) All of the above