Evaluation of effect of fluorosis prevention by lowering fluoride in drinking water in Zhejiang province

Objective To investiagte the condition of preventive measures and the control effects for endemic fluorosis in Zhejiang province.Methods 15 of 32 towns threatened by endemic fluorosis were selected randomly to investigate the management and usage of the dr inking water defluor idation facilities,and to inspect the dental flourosis incidence of children aged 8 to 12 years.The children's mottled teeth were examined with Dean Index.The fluor ides content in water was determined with FSLE method.Results 385 524 people were profited form 156 drinking water defluo ridation facilities used normally or intermittently.The average value of fluorides content in water of end pipe network was 0.46 mg/L(maximum,4.51 mg/L; minimum,0.09 mg/L).The incidence of children suffering from mottled teeth was 7.70%,and dental fluorosis index was 0115,which indicated negative prevalence.Conclusion The status of endemic fluorosis in Zhejiang province is improved gradually,but some problems are still existed.