Investigation on Drinking-Water Fluorosis in Focal Endemic Areas in Shaanxi Province

In order to offer data of endemic fluorosis to the government, fluoride content in environment, prevalence rate of fluorosis and situations of water improvement to reduce fluoride were surveyed in 3 counties where were drinking water fluorosis areas. The results showed 50.17% people in the 3counties drank improved water during the past 20 years. Both the fluoride content in environment and the prevalence rate of fluorosis decreased obviously after water improvement. Fluoride content in water, the prevalence rate of children's dental fluorosis and 3d degree skeletal fluorosis dropped 50.60%, 38.12% and 78.64% respectively on the base of 1980's. The proportion of water samples accorded with the state hygienic standard was 31.12%.It showed water improvement to reduce fluoride was an effective method for endemic fluorosis control and the project of water improvement should be made. An epidemiological survey should be carried out again in order to ensure that the data are scientific. The results also showed fluoride content in water related to the type and depth of well.