FLUORIDE IN GROUNDWATER AND DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF LAURO DE FREITAS, LOCATED IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF SALVADOR, BAHIA (BR)

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1592272205069

• Palavras-chave: Environment and Health, Fissural Aquifer, Fluoride, RMS, Human Dignity.

• Keywords: Environment and Health, Fissural Aquifer, Fluoride, RMS, Human Dignity.

• Abstract:

  The relationship between exposure to fluoride and human health, especially through drinking water, represents a topic that has been extensively studied by researchers in the geosciences and health. This article aimed to investigate the relationship between fluoride levels in groundwater and dental fluorosis in the municipality of Lauro de Freitas, located in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador (RMS), Bahia, Brazil. The interdisciplinary methodological approach included the cross-sectional study of the prevalence of dental fluorosis in 680 schoolchildren at 12 years of age (Dean Index) and the analysis of hydrochemical variables of 23 tubular wells associated with the Fissural Aquifer. The prevalence of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren aged 12 years in the city of Lauro de Freitas was 34% (32.5% in very mild to mild degrees; 1.5% moderate). A fluorosis profile was obtained similar to that observed in previous studies in the RMS, or in non-endemic areas and compatible with the level of fluoride in the water used in public supply. It is concluded that the fluorosis profile cannot be related to fluoride levels in groundwater (0.09 to 2.93 mg.L-1), where 35% of the samples exceeded the local optimal limit.  

• Número de páginas: 28