Surveillance of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Fujian Province in 2019

Ying LAN; Zhihui CHEN; Ying YE

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To understand the epidemic situation of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Fujian Province, and to provide more information for control and evaluation of the disease.

Methods:

In 2019, all villages in the 36 drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Fujian Province were selected, in which the situation of water improvement was investigated, fluorine content of drinking water was tested and dental fluorosis of all the children aged 8 to 12 was examined. The urinary fluoride content and skeletal fluorosis of people over 25-year old was investigated in some of those villages.

Results:

A total of 153 disease affected villages were investigated, in which the water improvement projects were all completed. The fluoride content in each tap water sample of the water improvement project ranged from 0.00 to 1.05 mg/L, and the qualified rate was 100.00% (153/153). The normal operation rate of the water improvement projects was 95.42% (146/153). The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children aged 8 to 12 was 2.72% (76/2 789) with a dental fluorosis index 0.07. The detection rate of children's dental fluorosis was statistically different in different age groups, so was it in areas with different coverage rate of water improvement projects ( P < 0.05). The geometric mean of urinary fluorine level in adults was 0.80 mg/L ( n = 3 765), and the detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 2.00% (6/300).

Conclusion:

Although some achievements have been made in the prevention and control of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Fujian Province, it is still necessary to further consolidate and enhance the water improvement projects.