Evaluation of fluoride levels in bottled water and their contribution to health and teeth problems in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Fluoride is needed for better health, yet if ingested at higher levels it may lead to health problems. Fluoride can be obtained from different sources, with drinking water being a major contributor. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bottled water is the major source for drinking. The aim of this research is to measure fluoride levels in different bottled water brands sold in UAE, to determine whether fluoride contributes to better health or health problems. The results were compared to international and local standards. Fluoride was present in seven out of 23 brands. One brand exhibited high fluoride levels, which exceeded all standards, suggesting it may pose health problems. Other brands were either below or above standards, suggesting either contribution to better health or health problems, depending on ingested amount. A risk assessment suggested a potential for non-cancer effects from some brands. The results were compared to fluoride levels in bottled water sold in UAE and neighboring countries (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain), over 24 years, to reflect on changes in fluoride levels in bottled water in this region. The research presents the need for creating, stricter regulations that require careful fluoride monitoring and new regulations that require listing fluoride level on the bottled water label, internationally and regionally. The research will have local and global health impact, as bottled water sold in UAE and neighboring countries, is produced locally and imported from international countries, e.g. Switzerland, the USA, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Fiji.

PHYTOREMEDIATION OF FLUORIDE-CONTAMINATED WATER BY Landoltia punctata

“…Fluorine has been widely studied, as it is a highly reactive element, being the 13 th most abundant element in the environment (Kanduti et al, 2016). Fluorine can be introduced into the environment mainly by biogeochemical processes, i.e., weathering of rocks and minerals and anthropogenic activities such as industrial wastewaters and residues, pesticides, and fertilizers (Banerjee, 2015;Abouleish, 2016).…”

Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics in Drinking Water Sources Emphasized on Fluoride: A Case Study of Yancheng, China

“…Fluoride (F − ) enters the water body as a result of the geological composition of bedrock and soil, as well as dental products, food, combustion of fluoride-rich coal, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. It is generally accepted that human beings consume fluoride largely from drinking water, and about 90% of fluoride that exists in drinking water is absorbed by the digestive system [1,2,3,4]. Fluoride deficiency or excess has an adverse effect on human health.…”

Assessment of high fluoride in water sources and endemic fluorosis in the North-Eastern communities of Gombe State, Nigeria

“…Therefore, in humans' developmental period, teeth and bone tissues possessed vast amounts of calcium to attract a high amount of fluoride, resulting in deposits such as calcium-fluorapatite crystals [33]. Irrespective of this phenomenon, fluoride essential for healthy teeth cannot be underestimated since endorsements for fluoride levels were made for stimulating more nutritional well-being [34]. High exposure to fluoride drinking water or deficiency might lead to serious health fluoride complications.…”