Epidemiological investigation on endemic fluorosis in Jiaxiang county, Shandong province

Objective To investigate the status of endemic fluorosis in Jiaxiang county,Shandong province and to provide the scientific evidence for making strategies for the prevention and control.Methods Epidemiological investigation was used.The content of fluoride in drinking water and urine was determined by F-ion selective electrode.Dental fluorosis of children aged 8～12 years old were diagnosed by Dean's method and the skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed by clinic and X-ray examination.Results Eleven villages in 6 towns were chosen.The average fluoride level in drinking water was 4186mg/L in 11 villages.The highest water fluoride content was 9.67mg/L.The total rate of dental fluorosis of children aged 8～12 years old was 72.08%,the index of dental fluorosis was 1.55 and the rate of dental damage was 19.79%.In 8 villages,the rates of skeletal fluorosis by clinic and X-ray in adults above 30 years old were 54.12% and 47.94% respectively.The ratio of fluoride level in urine over 1.50mg/L was 81.90% in the children and 88157%in the adults.The highest urine fluoride content of the children and the adults was 14.60mg/L and 12.50 mg/L,respectively.Conclusion In Jiaxiang county the state of endemic fluorosis was not effectively controlled.The preventive measures for endemic fluorosis must be strengthened.