Fluorosis attacks the bones as well as the teeth
Fluorosis attacks the bones as well as the teeth
jeudi 29 novembre 2007 Destination Santé
Water contains a certain amount of fluoride. In low concentrations this protects the teeth against decay. But if it is absorbed in excess, it can lead to the development of a disease known as fluorosis. This attacks the teeth, but also the bones … and with devastating results.
Tibiri, a town in the south of Niger has unfortunate first-hand experience of this. In 1985, analyses were carried out to determine whether the local water was fit for consumption. But the fluoride content was not investigated. Some years later, analyses have shown that the fluoride level was four times higher than the norm, the local authorities explained. And the consequences are very serious, particularly among the children. Over 15 years, more than 5,000 have been affected by fluorosis.
The majority of them suffer from dental fluorosis, a disabling condition characterised by staining and pitting of the teeth. But others are affected by a far more serious form of the disease – it attacks their bones. A gradual accumulation of fluoride in the bony tissue leads to joint stiffness and even bone deformation : this is osteopetrosis.
With the help of UNICEF we have set up a programme to deal with this, the village leaders continue. We have isolated the bore hole and the children are gradually being operated on. Just over sixty in total, being cared for by the Maison de l’Espoir (that is, the House of Hope), a centre that looks after and rehabilitates disabled children.
Major and often costly measures (such as tapping in to deep water tables and the building of reservoirs) are needed to eliminate excess fluoride from drinking water. But WHO proposed more economical remedies such as using crushed terracotta and active aluminium as absorbent filters.Destination santé
jeudi 29 novembre 2007 Destination Santé
Water contains a certain amount of fluoride. In low concentrations this protects the teeth against decay. But if it is absorbed in excess, it can lead to the development of a disease known as fluorosis. This attacks the teeth, but also the bones … and with devastating results.
Tibiri, a town in the south of Niger has unfortunate first-hand experience of this. In 1985, analyses were carried out to determine whether the local water was fit for consumption. But the fluoride content was not investigated. Some years later, analyses have shown that the fluoride level was four times higher than the norm, the local authorities explained. And the consequences are very serious, particularly among the children. Over 15 years, more than 5,000 have been affected by fluorosis.
The majority of them suffer from dental fluorosis, a disabling condition characterised by staining and pitting of the teeth. But others are affected by a far more serious form of the disease – it attacks their bones. A gradual accumulation of fluoride in the bony tissue leads to joint stiffness and even bone deformation : this is osteopetrosis.
With the help of UNICEF we have set up a programme to deal with this, the village leaders continue. We have isolated the bore hole and the children are gradually being operated on. Just over sixty in total, being cared for by the Maison de l’Espoir (that is, the House of Hope), a centre that looks after and rehabilitates disabled children.
Major and often costly measures (such as tapping in to deep water tables and the building of reservoirs) are needed to eliminate excess fluoride from drinking water. But WHO proposed more economical remedies such as using crushed terracotta and active aluminium as absorbent filters.Destination santé
posted by Bill at
10:15 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home