Safe Drinking Water is Essential: Fluoride Contamination
Fluoride in GroundwaterFluoride Contamination
Fluoride is added to water in small concentrations by many public water suppliers to protect the teeth from decay and to build bone strength. Yet, in high concentrations (more than several parts per million) fluoride can harm human health. Fluoride can cause pitting of teeth and severe skeletal problems including crippling fluorosis, severe anemia, stiff joints, and restricted movement.
Defluoridation is difficult and expensive, so the best option for dealing with excess levels is recognizing when they are present and pursuing alternative water sources if they are available.
Related Images
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- An Indian girl displays her teeth affected by dental fluorosis.
- ©Ruhani Kaur/UNICEF India
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- This 10 year old child from Jhabua, India legs are bent from fluorosis.
- ©Ruhani Kaur/UNICEF India
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