Fluoride Toxicity in the Fluoride Endemic Villages of Gaya District, Bihar, India - Management of Natural Resources in a Changing Environment - page 264

Fluoride Toxicity in the Fluoride Endemic
Villages of Gaya District, Bihar, India

Shahla Yasmin and Suneet Ranjan

Introduction

High level of fl uoride (F) in drinking water has been recognized as a potential health
hazard all over the world. In India, 17 out of 32 states have been identifi ed as
'endemic' areas for fl uorosis, with an estimated 25 million people impacted, and
another 66.62 million people (including six million children below the age of 14) 'at
risk' of facing health hazards due to high water-borne fl uoride concentrations. After
ingestion of fl uoridated water, majority of the fl uoride is absorbed from the stomach
and small intestine into the blood stream (Whitford 1996 ). Approximately, 50 % of
the fl uoride absorbed each day by young or middle-aged adults becomes associated
with hard tissues (teeth and bones) within 24 h while virtually all of the remainder
is excreted (Whitford 1996 ). More fl uoride is retained in young bones than in the
bones of older adults (Whitford 1996 ; Horowitz 1996 ). Fluoride toxicity at high
levels has also been associated with thyroid changes, growth retardation, kidney
changes, and even urolithiasis (Dhar and Bhatnagar 2009 ). According to Strunecka
et al. ( 2007 ), fl uoride in excess amounts causes several ailments viz, metabolic
disturbances, endocrine dysfunctions and physiological alterations in the body.
F exposure also disrupts the synthesis of collagen and leads to the breakdown of
collagen in bones (Susheela and Jha 1981 ). Its excessive intake may result in slow,
progressive crippling condition known as fl uorosis. This paper reports about the
groundwater quality of certain regions of Gaya district of Bihar, with special emphasis
on fl uoride contamination and its impact on human health.