FLUOROSIS IN SOME TRIBAL VILLAGES OF UDAIPUR DISTRICT (RAJASTHAN)

Chronic fluoride intoxication (fluorosis) was observed in villagers an d their domestic animals (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats) from ten villages of the Udaipur district of Rajasthan where drinking waters c ontained 0.3 to 7.0 mg/L fluoride. The prevalence of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis in villagers was relatively higher than that ob served in the animals. At 5.8 mg/L mean fluoride concentration, 88.7% of children (<18 years) and 100% of adults were found to be affected w ith dental fluorosis. The highest prevalence (42.2%) of skeletal fluor osis was observed at 5.8 mg F/L (mean). Males showed relatively a high er prevalence of skeletal fluorosis. In general, the prevalence and se vereness of skeletal fluorosis increased with increasing of fluoride c oncentration and with age. None of fluorotic subjects revealed evidenc e of genu-valgum syndrome and goitre (hyperthyroidism). Among mature a nimals, buffaloes were found to have a higher prevalence and greater s everity of dental and skeletal fluorosis when compared with cattle. Th e prevalence of dental fluorosis was higher in calves of both type of animals than in adults. Sheep and goats examined at the same time were found to be free of fluorosis. Radiological findings and deformities in fluorotic subjects as well as fluorosis in relation to fluoride con centrations, age and sex have also discussed.