Investigation of fluoride content in drinking water of residents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2017 to 2019 / 中华地方病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To learn about the distribution of fluoride content in drinking water of residents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide scientific basis for formulation of refined prevention and control measures for drinking-water-type endemic fluorosis.Methods:From January 2017 to December 2019, water fluoride surveys were carried out in all natural villages of 103 banners (counties) in 12 leagues (cities) of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and drinking water samples of residents were collected according to different water supply methods (engineering water supply, physical and chemical water improvement, and decentralized water supply). The ion selective electrode method was used for water fluoride detection, and whether the water fluoride exceeded the standard was determined according to the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality" (GB 5749-2006).Results:The survey was carried out in 36 625 natural villages in 103 banners (counties) of 12 leagues (cities) in the region, among which 24 682 were engineering water supply villages, accounting for 67.39%; 2 610 were physical and chemical water improvement villages, accounting for 7.13%; and 9 333 were decentralized water supply villages, accounting for 25.48%. The median values of water fluoride in the engineering water supply villages, the physical and chemical water improvement villages and the decentralized water supply villages were 0.62, 0.23, and 0.52 mg/L, respectively, and the difference between different water supply methods was statistically significant ( H = 2 809.95, P < 0.001); the qualified rates of water fluoride were 96.47% (23 810/24 682), 99.73% (2 603/2 610) and 96.37% (8 994/9 333), respectively, and there was significant difference between different water supply methods (χ 2 = 132.74, P < 0.001). All the 12 leagues (cities) in the region had villages with water fluoride exceeding the standard, among which Chifeng City and Ordos City had more villages with water fluoride exceeding the standard (479, 282). Conclusions:All the 12 leagues (cities) in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region have villages with water fluoride exceeding the standard. It is necessary to urge relevant departments to carry out planning and management of villages with water fluoride exceeding the standard.