Analysis of surveillance results on prevention and control of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Qinghai Province

Objective To find out the distribution and status of drinking-water-borne fluorosis in Qinghai, and to provide basic data for prevention and control of the disease. Methods According to the Action Plan of Endemic Fluorosis and Arsenic Poisoning in Qinghai (2016-2020), 10 counties were selected to carry out the epidemiological study in 2016. The operation of the improvment project was investigated. The fluoride content of water was determined with fluoride ion-selective electrode, and dental fluorosis of 8-12 years old children was diagnosed by the Deans method. Results A total of 97 villages have been investigated, and all water was improved. The range of water fluoride was 0.20-2.13 mg/L. Normal operation rate of water-improving project was 83.33% (50/60). The pass rate of water fluorine content was 96.67% (58/60). The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis of the children was 18.70% (774/4 140), and it was significantly lower than national standards (30%). Conclusions Water has been improved in all of the fluorosis villages. Most of the water-improving engineering projects to control drinking-water fluorosis has played a positive role, and drinking-water-borne fluorosis is under control. Key words: Fluorosis, dental; Water; Result evaluation