Fluoride Distribution In Groundwater And Prevalence Of Dental Fluorosis Among School Children In Villages Of Jind District, Haryana (India)

The present study presents the distribution and health hazards of fluoride contamination and groundwater quality parameters in 23 villages of Jind district, Haryana, India. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among the school children in the age group of 5-12 years. 1428 children of different age group were examined and categorized with Dean’s Fluorosis Index as recommended by WHO. The groundwater fluoride concentration was in the range 0.2-2.0 mg/l. The villages were categorized as high fluoride level (1.5-2.0 mg/l) and low/ normal fluoride level villages (0.9-1.3mg/l) for comparison. The Community Fluorosis Index (CFI) in high fluoride villages ranged between 0.22-0.29 whereas low/normal fluoride level villages ranged between 0.09-0.21. In both the cases the value of CFI being lower than 0.4 as prescribed by DEAN Index. The prevalence of dental fluorosis varied from 17.10%-25% in the high fluoride level villages and 6.58%-16.38% in the low/normal fluoride level villages. Higher Fluorosis prevalence was found in high age group of 11-12 years and decreased in lower age groups. The findings showed the presence of dental fluorosis in the studied villages and also a proportional increase in prevalence of dental fluorosis with respect to increase in fluoride level in the potable water sources. However, the CFI was on the lower site in all villages.