An evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention and control measures on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in Shanxi Province / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effects of prevention and control measures on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide a scientific basis for further prevention and treatment of the disease. Methods In 2016, 7 diseased counties (cities) were selected in the whole province, three diseased townships were selected in each county(city), and five diseased villages were selected in each diseased township as the investigation sites. The investigation was carried out on the changes of improved stove and correct usage of the improved stove, and the correct drying behavior related to the corn and pepper for human consumption. Children aged 8 to 12 were examined dental fluorosis. In each village, 20 urine samples of 8 to 12 years old children were collected for fluorine determination. Urine fluoride was determined via the fluoride ion selective electrode method, and children dental fluorosis was diagnosed by "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" method (WS/T 208-2011). Results Altogether 105 villages were investigated, including 31 696 households. The rates of the improved stove and the correct usage of the improved stove were 98.46%(31 209/31 696)and 98.80%(30 834/31 209);the correct drying rate related to the corn and pepper for human consumption was 99.97%(31 685/31 696);the dental fluorosis rate of 8 to 12 years old children,and the dental fluorosis index were 5.56%(264/4 751) and 0.13. The urine fluoride content was between 0.15 - 4.33 mg/L and the geometric mean value of fluoride content was 0.72 mg/L. Conclusions The prevention and control effect is obvious on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in Shanxi Province. Disease surveillance,health education,the management and maintenance work of defluoridation stoves are keys in prevention of coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis.