SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SYNERGISTIC IMPACTS OF FLUORIDE AND TOXIC METALS

Abstract

Geogenic and anthropogenic activities enhanced level of fluoride and toxic metals i.e. Lead (Pb) ,Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) in water and food. Co-occurrence of fluoride and heavy metals could influence mobility and biomagnification of elements in human body. This study was designed to investigate synergistic impacts of fluoride and metals in children and their accumulation status. One hundred and twenty school children (5 to 16 years old) selected for this purpose. The dental fluorosis was assessed by using Dean’s index and non-verbal intelligence test was used for IQ evaluation. Fluoride was analyzed by Fluoride-ion selective electrode HI-522 and metals were analyzed by Varian atomic absorption spectrophotometer AA240. Experimental results revealed that F- concentration in water was 5.91±3.69 mg/L and in urine was 3.33±2.68 mg/L exceeding WHO limit in water (1.5mg/L) and urine (1mg/L) indicating positive correlation between water and urinary fluoride. A strong correlation was seen between urinary F- and dental fluorosis prevalence (r=0.64), IQ retardation (r=-0.77), lipid peroxidation (r=0.77) and antioxidants activities. This study showed that F- was insignificantly correlated with metals i.e. Pb (r=0.33), Cd (r=0.41) and Cr (=0.36), Ni (r=0.19) and Mn (r=0.09). Deficiency of essential metals and high industrial activities could be reason behind accumulation of such elevated levels of metals in body of children. Fluorosis was considered ‘Marked’ public health issue on basis of community fluorosis index value ‘2.06’. The findings of risk assessment suggested that due to change in behavioral patterns and development of body defense mechanism, effect of fluoride might be lesser in grown up children (16 years) as compared to children under 15 years old. It is concluded that high exposure of F- and metals via food and water had negative impacts individually on health of selected children but does not complement in each other’s toxicity. Planning and policies should be made to mitigate these growing public issues i.e. proper treatment of water and proper provision of nutrition etc.