FLUORIDE ACCUMULATION AND TOXICITY IN WILD SMALL MAMMALS

Populations of two species of small mammal, the field vole (Microtus a grestis L.) and the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus L.), inhabiting grasslands contaminated by industrial sources of fluoride were examin ed for fluoride concentrations in skeletal tissue and for morphologica l changes in the teeth. Concentrations of fluoride in teeth and bones were higher for C. glareolus than for M. agrestis at the chemical work s and smelter sites. Severe dental lesions were recorded on the inciso r and molar teeth of both species at the chemical works and smelter si tes, with less marked damage at the mine tailings dam. This is attribu ted to inter-site differences in fluoride speciation and the consequen t effects on the availability of fluoride in the diet for bioassimilat ion.