Fluorosis Mitigation.

FLUOROSIS: Fluorosis is a crippling disease caused by regular intake of water

contaminated with Fluorides more than 1.0 mg/ lr.
The incidence of disease may be high especially in areas where source of drinking
water is drawn through hand pumps, tube wells and open wells. The fluorosis
disease affects children as well as adults and expressed in three forms in the
human beings.
Dental Fluorosis
Dental Fluorosis mainly affects enamel of tooth due to continuous ingestion of
fluorides. Due to accumulation of fluoride followed by decrease of Calcium will make
the teeth very weak and get chipped off. The degree of Dental Fluorosis depends up
on the amount of fluoride exposure up to the age of 8-10 years, as the fluoride
stains only the developing teeth while they are formed in the jaw bones and are still
under gums.

Skeletal Fluorosis

Haunch Back

Bow Leg

Knock Knee

Bone Deformity

The Fluoride has a preferential affinity to accumulate in cancellous (Spongy bones)

than cortical bones (compact) due to increased blood supply to the cancellous
bones. Hence major joints like neck, shoulder, back, knee and hip are commonly
affected.
The stage at which Skeletal Fluorosis becomes crippling happens usually between
30-50 years of age in endemic region.

Non skeletal Fluorosis

Besides Dental Fluorosis, and skeletal Fluorosis, excessive consumption of fluoride
may lead to muscle fibre degeneration, low haemoglobin levels, excessive thirst,
headache, skin rashes, neurological manifestations, gastro intestinal problems,
urinary tract malfunctioning, repeated abortions, male sterility, etc. These are
grouped under Non-Skeletal Fluorosis.

Red Blood Cell

Deformed RBC

Normal Sperm

Deformed Sperm

Fluorosis Mitigation Component:

At present the Fluorosis Mitigation is carried out in many parts of the country
on comprehensive three-pronged well-defined strategies through the Health
delivery outlets, schools and Community based approaches.
The methodology adopted are as below:
Stage I
Stage II
and MIS
Stage III

- Human Resource Development (HRD)

- Diagnosis, Health Survey, Referral Services, Counselling, IEC
- Interventions for Mitigation and Impact of Interventions

Disability Limitation and Rehabilitation through Medical and Surgical

Interventions and supply of implements for mobility.

Impact of Interventions by Impact Assessment after counseling during

3rd week , 3rd month and 8th month.