ENDEMIC FLUOROSIS IN MEXICO

The significant mining of fluorspar in Mexico is evidence of the prese nce of fluoride in the Mexican subsoil. Therefore, the appearance of e ndemic fluorosis in some areas of our country may be a consequence of the contamination of aquifers by fluorspar deposits. In endemic areas, fluoride levels in drinking water are higher than the Mexican guideli ne of 1.5 mg/L in both urban and rural locations. Furthermore, health risk effects related to fluoride exposure have been identified in at l e!ast two states, Nevertheless, endemic fluorosis is still an essentia lly unrecognized environmental health problem in Mexico, although it i s affecting around five million people, Some improvements have been ob tained by the introduction of educational programs and by the emerging of research programs in some universities, However, more work is need ed in order to reduce the prevalent risks.