Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Milind M Girkar

Abstract:
Groundwater is used worldwide. Groundwater fluoride is one of the world’s largest toxicological environmental threats. Groundwater fluoride primarily results from weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals from rocks and sediments. Fluoride reduces dental caries at 0.5 mg/L, but at 1.5 mg/L or higher, it can cause fluorosis. 200 million people throughout 25 countries have fluorosis. There are several low-cost and simple defluoridation methods, but rural populations have yet to benefit from them due to barriers. Rural communities require fluoride-safe drinking water. The study compared fluoride geochemistry, groundwater contamination, human exposure, adverse effects and possible fluoride toxicity treatment options. This review examines fluorosis treatment options, water fluoride reduction technologies, and protective methods. This study also examines national, regional, and Indian fluorosis prevention efforts.