The Effects of Airborne Fluorides on Oral Conditions in Morocco

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries and dental fluorosis, as well as various other oral conditions, in 2378 subjects (ages seven to 60) living in the fluoridated area of Khouribga and the non-fluoridated area of Beni Mellal, Morocco. The community index of dental fluorosis (CFI) ranged from 1.99 to 2.80 in the high-fluoride area: Over 90% of the population was affected, and more than one-third of the subjects showed moderate dental fluorosis. However, in Beni Mellal, more than 96% of the dentate subjects examined were free of dental fluorosis, and the CFI of 0.02 was considered not significant. Significant differences were observed between the two areas with respect to caries prevalence. DMFT and DMFS indices were markedly lower in the fluorosis area of Khouribga. The oral conditions of subjects appeared to be better in Khouribga, where the gingival and calculus indices were significantly lower than in Beni Mellal. The analyses of covariance showed no significant differences in plaque accumulation (PI) between the Khouribga and Beni Mellal samples. However, a close statistical correlation was found between PI and GI in Beni Mellal and Khouribga.

The prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among 12‐year‐old schoolchildren in Jordan

“…Hakel et al . [31] noted a high level of dental fluorosis, over 90% of the population examined in Khouribga (large phosphate mining centre, the drinking water contained only 0·17 ppm F), whereas in Beni Mellal (outside of the phosphate mining area) the prevalence was only 4%. The high prevalence of fluorosis in Khouribga was explained by the chronic exposure to fluoride–containing phosphate dust [32].…”

“…Phosphate rocks, which are the major source of phosphorus, phosphoric acid, and phosphate fertilizer, contain 2–4% fluorine [29,30]. As fluoride compounds are not biodegradable, they gradually accumulate in the environment, in the food chain, soil, plants and in people's bones and teeth [30,31].…”

Fluoride contamination, consequences and removal techniques in water: a review

“…In parts of Morocco and China, there is a large amount of fluoride in the air. 31 In particular Chinese regions, the indoor burning of high-fluoride coal for cooking produces 16 to 46 g cm −3 of fluorides in the air. 32 Fluorosis affects ten million individuals in China due to the burning of high-fluoride coal.…”

Fluoride Uptake and Net Primary Productivity of Selected Crops

“…In areas where fluoride-containing coal is burned or phosphate fertilizers are produced or used, the fluoride concentration in air is elevated leading to increased exposure by inhalation and absorption routes. High levels of atmospheric fluoride occur in areas of Morocco and China [10] and [11]. In some provinces of China, fluoride concentrations in indoor air ranging from 16 to 46 μg/m 3 owing to indoor combustion of high-fluoride coal for cooking, or drying and curing food [12].…”