Investigation on the status and prevention of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in the disease affected areas in Yunnan Province

Objective To investigate the epidemic situation of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Yunnan Province, to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, to find out existing problems, and to guide the development of prevention and control measures in Yunnan Province. Methods All villages in 14 drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis areas were selected in Yunnan Province in 2015, in which the progress and effectiveness of water-improving and defluoridation projects were investigated. Fluoride content of drinking water was determined by standard test method for drinking water (GB/T 5750.5-2006), and dental fluorosis of all children aged 8 to 12 was examined. Dental fluorosis diagnosis was based on Diagnostic Criteria for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS/T 208-2011). Results In the 143 disease affected villages, the water improvement projects were completed in 138 villages with accomplishment rate 96.50% (138/143), 127 water improvement projects were normal operated with the normal operation rate 92.03% (127/138). Totally 126 water improvement projects were tested for fluorine content and 120 of them were qualified with qualified rate 95.24% (120/126). A total of 3 449 children aged 8 to 12 were monitored, the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 4.00% (138/3 449), the dental fluorosis index was 0.08. Totally 11 out of the 14 disease affected counties had met the disease control standards. Conclusion The prevalence of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis in Yunnan Province has been under control, but management and monitoring of the water improvement projects still should be strengthened. Key words: Fluorosis, dental; Drinking water; Condition