Authors: Dr. Ekata Singh
Abstract: Fluoride contamination in drinking water is a major environmental and public health problem, especially in rural areas where groundwater is the main source of water. In this study Iaim to assess fluoride levels in drinking water in rural communities and assess the risk of skeletal fluorosis in the exposed population. Icarried out a systematic field-based survey in selected villages, sampling groundwater sources such as hand pumps, bore wells, open wells and so on. Fluoride levels were analyzed in the usual way and compared with the standard levels of international health authorities. In addition, Icarried out a formal health survey to establish the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis symptoms in the different age groups (joint stiffness, bone deformity, and restricted mobility). The study also looked at demographic, dietary, and socioeconomic characteristics to identify potential risk factors for fluoride toxicity. The water samples were found to be above safe levels of fluoride, and deeper aquifers were more strongly associated with the water samples. In the same way, skeletal fluorosis was found to be high, and high levels of skeletal fluorosis were observed in the case of long exposure and poor nutritional status, which shows an association with high levels of fluoride and skeletal fluorosis, and immediate action is needed to address the issue. Defluoridation techniques are suggested to be sustainable, safe alternatives, and community education programs should be introduced to prevent illness. This study offers a better understanding of fluoride contamination dynamics and can be used to construct region-specific water management and health policy.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19436761
