Context
- The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), organised a National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Fluorosis on National Fluorosis Day (September 9).
What is Fluorosis?
- Fluorosis is a health condition caused by excessive exposure to fluoride, particularly through contaminated drinking water.
- It can affect teeth and bones, with prolonged exposure potentially causing skeletal complications.
- Effective prevention requires controlling excessive fluoride exposure along with early detection and appropriate management.
Types of Fluorosis
| Type | Main effect | Key features |
| Dental fluorosis | Teeth | White streaks/spots → brown discoloration and enamel damage |
| Skeletal fluorosis | Bones & joints | Bone and joint pain, stiffness, calcification and reduced mobility |
| Non-skeletal fluorosis | Soft tissues/body systems | May include gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms |
Why does it occur?
- Fluoride (F⁻) is naturally present in rocks and groundwater.
- Excess fluoride enters groundwater through weathering and dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals.
- In India, groundwater is the major source of fluoride exposure in affected regions.
- Risk increases where groundwater has high fluoride concentration and people depend on it for drinking.
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF)
- NPPCF aims to prevent and control fluorosis through:
- Surveillance of fluorosis.
- Capacity building of health personnel.
- Health education and awareness.
- Early diagnosis and management of cases.
- Inter-sectoral interventions to address excessive fluoride exposure.