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Fluoride Contamination
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A pan-India analysis found fluoride contamination above permissible levels in groundwater across multiple states, including Rajasthan, Telangana, etc.
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- The analysis was based on 6.66 lakh observations, revealing widespread fluoride contamination.
- Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater, with a nationally permissible limit set at 1.50 milligrams per litre. Levels above this are considered unsafe for drinking.
- Fluoride constitutes 0.06 – 0.09 percent of the Earth’s crust, and it is released into groundwater through the leaching and dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals in water aquifers.
- A study by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), part of ISRO, found that fluoride contamination was highest during the dry pre-monsoon months (March-May), with levels 8.65 percent above the permissible limit, and remained high post-monsoon at 7.1 percent above normal.
- Factors like lithology, soil type, geomorphology, lineaments, and climatic conditions were identified as key contributors to fluoride contamination.
About FluorideIt is an inorganic, monatomic anion of fluorine, represented by the chemical formula F⁻. It is commonly found in various natural sources, including water, soil, and food, and is utilised primarily for its dental health benefits, particularly in preventing tooth decay. Properties and UsesFluoride occurs naturally in several minerals, notably fluorite, and is used in various applications:
Health ImplicationsFluoride is considered beneficial in low doses; however, excessive exposure can lead to health issues:
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