Exploring the Impact of Fluoride in Drinking Water: Health Implications, Biological Mechanisms, and Worldwide Fluorosis Distribution
Abstract
The persistent presence of fluoride in the earth’s crust and anthropogenic sources from agricultural and industrial activities has perpetuated human exposure to this toxic element. Fluoride can be metabolized inside the human body and is one of the bone-seeking elements known to affect human beings. Although beneficial for humans in a specific range, fluoride has been considered a double-edged sword. Exposure to high fluoride levels results in dental and skeletal fluorosis, which are the most observed health implications of this anion. Highly exposed individuals are also susceptible to numerous health manifestations such as osteoporosis, arthritis, brittle bones, cancer, infertility in women, brain damage, thyroid disorders, and so on. Fluorosis is a natural and unmanageable health challenge afflicting more than 200 million people in around 25 countries worlwide, with more and more countries adding to the list. The current investigation aims to systematically consolidate the extensive research findings conducted over diverse geographic regions, on the health effects attributed to drinking fluoride-contaminated water, with a major focus on South-east Asia in general and India in particular. Moreover, the review discusses the often-overlooked socioeconomic aspects of fluorosis on individuals. In addition, it offers insights into sustainable remediation strategies and proposes potential ways forward.
Related
- Sources and sinks of plastic debris in estuaries: A conceptual model integrating biological, physical and chemical distribution mechanisms
- Beyond Polymer Identity: Biological and Health Implications of Polyvinyl Chloride Micro- and Nanoplastics
- Effects of typical emerging pollutants on biological treatment systems: processes, mechanisms, and recovery strategies
- Integrating green building technology and renewable energy for a carbon-neutral built environment: Exploring the mechanisms of energy efficiency, AI technology, and environmental policy stringency
- Distribution and evolution of manganese minerals in polymetallic nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone: implications for nickel and copper enrichment
BibTeX
@article{jamwal2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring the Impact of Fluoride in Drinking Water: Health Implications, Biological Mechanisms, and Worldwide Fluorosis Distribution}},
author = {Karan Dev Jamwal and Manisha and Shivali Sharma and Deepika Slathia},
journal = {Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_5_25},
url = {https://doi.org/10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_5_25},
note = {CC BY-NC-SA},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring the Impact of Fluoride in Drinking Water: Health Implications, Biological Mechanisms, and Worldwide Fluorosis Distribution
AU - Karan Dev Jamwal
AU - Manisha
AU - Shivali Sharma
AU - Deepika Slathia
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry
DO - 10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_5_25
UR - https://doi.org/10.4103/jiaphd.jiaphd_5_25
AB - The persistent presence of fluoride in the earth’s crust and anthropogenic sources from agricultural and industrial activities has perpetuated human exposure to this toxic element. Fluoride can be metabolized inside the human body and is one of the bone-seeking elements known to affect human beings. Although beneficial for humans in a specific range, fluoride has been considered a double-edged sword. Exposure to high fluoride levels results in dental and skeletal fluorosis, which are the most observed health implications of this anion. Highly exposed individuals are also susceptible to numerous health manifestations such as osteoporosis, arthritis, brittle bones, cancer, infertility in women, brain damage, thyroid disorders, and so on. Fluorosis is a natural and unmanageable health challenge afflicting more than 200 million people in around 25 countries worlwide, with more and more countries adding to the list. The current investigation aims to systematically consolidate the extensive research findings conducted over diverse geographic regions, on the health effects attributed to drinking fluoride-contaminated water, with a major focus on South-east Asia in general and India in particular. Moreover, the review discusses the often-overlooked socioeconomic aspects of fluorosis on individuals. In addition, it offers insights into sustainable remediation strategies and proposes potential ways forward.
SN - 2319-5932
SN - 2350-0484
ER -