ABSTRACT
Objective To assess the fluorine (F), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) levels in hair of residents from the fluorosis area of Zhaotong and provide reference basis for the evaluation of the health status of populations in fluorosis areas as well as the prevention and control of fluorosis in Zhaotong. Methods Sixty-five hair samples were collected in fluorosis areas(Zhenxiong, Weixin County), including. 41 samples from 6 endemic townships and 24 samples from a non-endemic township. Fluorine content in hair was determined by combustion- hydrolysis-ion selective electrode method. Arsenic and selenium contents in hair were determined by atom- fluorescence method. Results The average contents of hair fluorine, arsenic and selenium contents were (15.1807±15.2397), (2.1806±1.9601), (2.3162±2.4535)mg/kg in the 41 patients with fluorosis and were (18.7703±17.1067), 0.3283±0.2466), (1.2805±0.6970) mg/kg in the 24 inhabitants (control). The difference of fluorine content in hair between patients in fluorosis and control inhabitants was not statistically significant (P 0.05), but the difference in arsenic and selenium content was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions Mild arsenic pollution exists in Zhaotong fluorosis areas, which aggravates the prevalence of fluorosis. Food roasted with blended coal contains high fluorine. Meanwhile it may bring in the supplement of selenium for the inhabitants in Zhaotong fluorosis areas.