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.