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1997 Fluoride Abstracts. Part 2.

Abstracts for the following years:
Part 1 - mainly biochemistry and physiology (brain, hormonal, G-proteins, etc.)
Part 2 ("b") - all other

2007

2007-b

2004

2004-b

2001

2001-b

1998

1998-b

1995

1995-b

1992

1992-b

1989

1989-b

1986

1986-b

1983

1982

1976 -
1977
1970 -
1971

2006

2006-b

2003

2003-b

2000

2000-b

1997

1997-b

1994

1994-b

1991

1991-b

1988

1988-b

1985

1985-b

1981

1980

1974 -
1975
1968 -
1969

2005

2005-b

2005-b continued

2002

2002-b

1999

1999-b

1996

1996-b

1993

1993-b

1990

1990 -b

1987

1987-b

1984

1984-b

1979

1978

1972 -
1973
Up to
1967

Report available online at http://books.nap.edu/catalog/5776.html

Dietary reference intakes for calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fluoride

Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine

National Academy Press, Washington DC
Copyright 1997 by the National Academy of Sciences. Published in 1999.

The recommendations in this report are applicable to the US and Canada. The development of Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) expands and replaces the series of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) in the United Staes and Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs) in Canada. The following Table is a summation of the final recommended intake levels.

[Note from FAN: The Institute of Medicine held an all-day workshop on this report on September 23, 1997, in Washington DC. A video is available on the approximately 2 hours spent in heated discussion on the fluoride section of the report (Bill Hirzy and Paul Connett vs. the IOM's panel). This video, filmed by Paul Connett, is available for $15 from Fluoride Action Network, 82 Judston Street, Canton NY 13617.- EC]

  UL = Tolerable Upper Intake Level
(pages 309 - 311)
AI = Adequate Intake
(pages 302 - 305)
0 through 6 months 0.7 mg/day 0.01 mg/day
7 through 12 months 0.9 mg/day 0.5 mg/day
1 through 3 years 1.3 mg/day 0.7 mg/day
4 through 8 years 2.2 mg/day 1 mg/day
Children and Adults > 8 years 10 mg/day  
9 through 13 years   2 mg/day
14 through 18 years   3 mg/day
Males - 19 years and over   4 mg/day
Females - 19 years and over   3 mg/day
Pregnancy and Lactation
(14 through 50 years)
10 mg/day 3 mg/day

Note: Several scientists responded to the these recommendations by signing a joint letter (Oct 15, 1997) to the President of the National Academy of Sciences (Dr. Bruce Alberts) requesting that he take "immediate steps to delete the fluoride section of the report and to have it re-addressed by a panel that includes members of the scientific community who are not committed to promoting or supporting fluoride use."

Dr. Alberts did not respond, and on Feb 4, 1998, Dr. Albert Burgstahler sent a letter to Dr. Kenneth Shine, President of the Institute of Medicine:

... When we submitted our letter [to Dr. Alberts] we were under the impression that the position of the Food and Nutrition Board on the questions we raised was not yet settled. We have since learned, however, through the publication of the full text of the Summary of the report in the September/ October 1997 issue of Nutrition Today, pp. 182-188, that the upper level intake and other recommendations for fluoride had already been officially submitted for general distribution...

What is especially troublesome about the Board's position on this matter is that it explicitly and emphatically contradicts the recently published views of the most distinguished and long-time fluoride expert member of the Panel on Calcium and Related Nutrients - Professor Gary M. Whitford of the Medical College of Georgia. In the second, revised edition of his widely-cited monograph on The Metabolism and Toxicity of Fluoride (Karger, Basel, 1996), he states on page 138 (copy enclosed):

"Most estimates indicate that crippling skeletal fluorosis occurs when 10-20 mg of fluoride have been ingested on a daily basis for at least 10 years." With this clinical condition, he notes, ". . . bone ash fluoride concentrations generally exceed 9,000 ppm. Calcification of ligaments often precludes joint mobility and numerous exostoses may be present. These effects may be associated with muscle wasting and neurological complications due to spinal cord compression."


Due to the intervention of US Senator Arlen Specter, Drs. Alberts and Shine replied to Dr. Burgstahler on Nov 20, 1998. Their letter and subsequent correspondence were published in Fluoride 1999; 32(3):187-198.

[Note from FAN: While this report was published in 1999, the draft was circulated and cited from 1997 on. The Chair of the Subcommittee on Upper Reference Levels of Nutrients, Ian C. Munro, is President of the consulting firm CanTox Health Sciences International, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. One firm that CanTox successfully represented was Material Resources Recycling during their permit application to incinerate 30,000 parts-per-million PCBs in Cornwall, Ontario. Parties opposed to this permit application were the Mohawks at Akewsasne, which abuts Cornwall, and Ellen and Paul Connett. The Ontario Ministry of Environment approved the permit in 2001. Munro is also on the Board of Scientific and Policy Advisors of the American Council on Science and Health, which, according to Peter Montague, is "a scheme-tank supported by the chemical industry."]

 

Full free report available at:
http://heronpublishing.com/tree/summaries/volume17/a17-697.html

Tree Physiol. 1997 Nov;17(11):697-703.
 
Distribution of elements along the length of Scots pine needles in a heavily polluted and a control environment.

Giertych MJ, De Temmerman LO, Rachwal L.

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Dendrology, Parkowa 5, PL-62-035 Kornik, Poland.

Pollution often causes visible symptoms of foliar injury. The injury is sometimes associated with an increase in the accessibility of toxic elements to plants as a result of acidification of the soil. We investigated the distribution of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, S, Fe, B, Cu, Zn, Al, F, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni and Co) in healthy current-year needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing at an unpolluted control site and at a site polluted mainly by SO(2), HF and Al(3+) from a fertilizer factory established in 1917. Needles from both sites were sampled before the appearance of visible injury and cut into five sections of equal length (tip, base and three middle parts). The mean concentrations of major nutrients were 20-30% lower in needles at the polluted site than in needles at the control site, whereas the concentrations of aluminum and fluorine were higher in needles at the polluted site. An increase in concentration from needle base to tip was detected for N, Fe, B, and Al at both sites and for Mn only at the polluted site. Fluoride accumulated in the tips of needles only at the polluted site, which could explain the necroses of needle tips at this site. The distribution of elements along the length of the needles was influenced by pollution, element mobility and the distal accumulation of toxic elements.

PMID: 14759894 [PubMed - in process]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9073601&dopt=Abstract

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997 Mar;143(1):130-9

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of vinyl fluoride in vivo and in vitro.

Cantoreggi S, Keller DA.

Haskell Laboratory for Toxicology and Industrial Medicine, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Newark, Delaware 19714, USA.

Vinyl fluoride (VF) is an inhalation carcinogen at concentrations of 25 ppm or greater in rats and mice. The main neoplastic lesion induced in rodents was hepatic hemangiosarcomas, and mice were more sensitive than rats. In a first set of experiments, groups of three rats or five mice were exposed to VF in a closed-chamber gas uptake system at starting concentrations ranging from 50 to 250 ppm. Chamber concentrations of VF were measured every 10-12 min by gas chromatography. Partition coefficients were determined by the vial equilibration technique and used as parameters for a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. Mice showed a higher whole-body metabolic capacity compared to rats (Vmax = 0.3 vs 0.1 mg/hr-kg). Both species had an estimated Km of < or = 0.02 mg/liter. The specificity for the oxidation of VF in vivo was determined by selective inhibition or induction of CYP 2E1. Inhibition with 4-methylpyrazole completely impaired VF uptake in rats and mice, whereas induction with ethanol (rats only) increased the metabolic capacity by two- to threefold. The pharmacokinetics of VF were also investigated in vitro. Microsomes from rat and mouse liver were incubated in a sealed vial with VF and an NADPH-regenerating system. Headspace concentrations (10-300 ppm) were monitored over time by gas chromatography. Consistent with the in vivo data, VF was metabolized faster by mouse microsomes than by rat microsomes (Vmax = 3.5 and 1.1 nmol/hr-mg protein, respectively). The rates of metabolism by human liver microsomes were generally in the same range as those found with rat liver microsomes (Vmax = 0.5-1.3 nmol/hr-mg protein), but one sample was similar to mice (Vmax = 3.3 nmol/ hr-mg protein). Metabolic rates in human microsomes were found to correlate with the amount of CYP 2E1 as determined by Western blotting and by chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation. It is concluded that the greater metabolic capacity of mice for VF both in vivo and in vitro may contribute to their greater susceptibility to tumor formation. CYP 2E1 is clearly the main isozyme involved in the oxidation of VF in all species tested. VF pharmacokinetics and metabolism in humans may depend upon the interindividual variability in the expression level of CYP 2E1. The excellent correspondence between in vivo and in vitro kinetics in rodents improves. substantially the degree of confidence for human in vivo predictions from in vitro data.

PMID: 9073601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Fluoride 1997; 30(3):142-146

Fluoride in California wines and raisins

AW Burgstahler and MA Robinson*

Department of Chemistry, Malott Hall, The University of Kansas, Lawrence KS 66045
* Group XVI University of Kansas Scholar

Summary: Fluoride ion-selective electrode analyses of nineteen California wines revealed fluoride concentrations ranging from 0.23 to 2.80 ppm (mean 1.02 ppm , with seven samples above the international limit of 1 ppm). The water-extractable F content of five brands of California raisins varied from 0.83 to 5.20 ppm (mean 2.71 ppm). Elevated F levels in these wines and raisins appear to result from pesticide use of cryolite (Na3AlF6) in the vineyards. Potential toxic effects of F in conjunction with aluminum and sulfites in wine are discussed.

Excerpts:

TABLE 1. Fluoride content of California wines
Brand name Vintage * Type Color F ppm (mg/L)
Sutter Home 1990 Zinfandel red 0.23
M.G. Vallejo 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon red 0.38
Ernest and Julio Gallo NS White Zinfandel white 0.41
Sutter Home 1993 Zinfandel red 0.58
Sutter Home 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon red 0.66
Sutter Home 1995 Chardonnay white 0.68
Sutter Home 1994 Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc white 0.73
Blossom Hill NS White Zinfandel white 0.82
Sutter Home 1995 Soleo red 0.86
Ernest and Julio Gallo 1992 Chardonnay pink 0.90
Vendange NS Cabernet Sauvignon red 0.96
Sutter Home 1995 White Zinfandel white 0.98
Vendange NS White Zinfandel Autumn Harvest white 1.18
Glen Ellen 1995 Chardonnay pink 1.28
Fairbanks 1995 White Port white 1.35
Livingston Cellars 1996 Burgundy red 1.41
Cook's NS Brut Imperial American Champagne white 1.50
Ernest and Julio Gallo 1996 Ruby Cabernet red 1.58
Inglenook 1993 Burgundy Red Table Wine red 2.80
Mean
1.02
Median
0.90

TABLE 2. Water-extractable fluoride content of California raisins
Brand name F ppm (mg/kg)
Rainbow 0.83
Rainbow (earlier, 1996 purchase) 1.85
Sweet Harvest 2.65
Champion 2.85
Sun Maid 2.85
Food Club 5.20
Mean
2.71

 

From TOXNET

J Environ Qual 1997 May/Jun;26(3):744-8

Distribution of trace elements in egg samples collected near coal power plants.

Flores EM, Martins AF

Chemistry Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.

The intensive use of mineral coal for thermal power generation is known to cause severe damage to the regional environment. The emission of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and fluoride (F) compounds into the atmosphere may lead, under certain conditions, to serious contamination of primary matrices in the biosphere and even of foodstuffs. In the present study, egg samples were collected from nonconfined hens (Gallus domesticus) over a period of 2 yr in the vicinity of two of the major coal power plants (Candiota and Charqueadas) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The constituent parts of the samples (yolk, albumen, and shell) were solubilized with acid in a teflon-lined pressurized bomb after an appropriate heating step. The Cd and Pb were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using Pd/Mg nitric solution as chemical modifier. Fluoride was determined by direct ion-selective electrode potentiometry. Cadmium concentration in the samples from both regions ranged from less than 0.01 (albumen) to 0.10 (yolk) mg/kg, whereas Pb and F concentrations ranged from 0.16 (shell) to 3.16 (yolk) and from 0.06 (yolk) to 1.75 (shell) mg/kg, respectively. A comparison with the higher obtained mean values for reference samples (Cd less than 0.02 mg/kg, shell; Pb = 0.11 mg/kg, yolk; and F = 0.07 mg/kg, shell) indicates a significant environmental contamination with Pb and F in the regions of Candiota and Charqueadas. A relative Cd and Pb enrichment in the yolk was also confirmed, whereas F preferentially concentrated in the shell.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9299607&dopt=Abstract

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1997 Sep;146(1):156-61

New method for retrospective detection of exposure to organophosphorus anticholinesterases: application to alleged sarin victims of Japanese terrorists.

Polhuijs M, Langenberg JP, Benschop HP.

Department of Chemical Toxicology, TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory, Rijswijk, 2280 AA, The Netherlands. poljuijs@pml.tno.nl

With regard to detection of exposure to anticholinesterase, the presently used methods have the disadvantage that they cannot detect either low-level exposures with certainty or the structure of the agent and the extent of poisoning. In principle, organophosphate-inhibited butyrylcholinesterase in human plasma is the most persistent and abundant source for biomonitoring of exposure to organophosphate anticholinesterases. Fluoride ions reactivate the inhibited enzyme readily at pH 4, converting the organophosphate moiety into the corresponding phosphofluoridate. Subsequent quantitation of the latter product provides a reliable, highly sensitive and retrospective method for detection of exposure to, or handling of, organophosphates such as nerve agents and organophosphorus pesticides. We applied the new procedure to serum samples from victims of the Tokyo subway attack by the AUM Shinriyko sect and from an earlier incident at Matsumoto. In serum of 10 of 11 victims from the Tokyo incident and of 2 of the 7 samples from the Matsumoto incident, reactivation with fluoride ions yielded sarin concentrations in the range of 0.2-4.1 ng/ml serum. Evidently, these victims had been exposed to an organophosphate with the structure PriO(CH3)P(O)X, presumably with X = F (sarin). Several applications of the new procedure to establish nerve agent and/or organophosphate (OP) pesticide exposure can be envisaged, e.g., (i) in biomonitoring of exposure for health surveillance of those handling organophosphates, (ii) in cases of alleged exposure to nerve agents and/or OP pesticides in armed conflict situations or terrorist attacks, (iii) in medical treatment of intoxication, and (iv) in forensic cases against suspected terrorists that may have handled anticholinesterases. Copyright 1997 Academic Press.

PMID: 9299607 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Note from FAN: PTFE is commonly known as Teflon]

From: http://www.publichealth.bham.ac.uk/chmrc/newsletter/jan98.htm

Veterinary Record 1997 Sep 6;141(10):255

Suspected PTFE toxicity in wild birds

Pennycott, T. W. and Middleton, J. D.

Although most reported incidents of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) poisoning involve pet birds, free-flying wild birds may also be affected. Over a four-hour period in 1987, 80-100 wild birds were recovered from several adjoining gardens in a heavily industrialised area of the West Midlands. Most were dead or died soon after collection. Post-mortem examinations revealed extensive lung congestion and oedema. No significant bacteria, viruses or chlamydia were detected. Investigations showed that the deaths had occurred 200 metres from an industrial plant which coated sheet metal with a non-stick paint the containing PTFE. On the day of this incident the procedure had operated at excessively high oven temperatures (over 470degC). This is above the critical temperature of 260degC at which PTFE undergoes pyrolysis and gives off toxic fractions such as carbonyl fluoride, hydrogen fluoride and perfluoroisobutylene. When wind direction was taken into consideration it confirmed that any emissions from the stack would pass directly over the gardens where the birds were recovered. This was taken as strong circumstantial evidence implicating PTFE as the cause of death.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10325634&dopt=Abstract

Wei Sheng Yan Jiu 1997 May;26(3):199-203

[The Chinese Total Diet Study in 1992--chemical contaminants
(I). Comparison between different areas]


[Article in Chinese]

Chen J, Gao J.

Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing, China.

The second Chinese total diet study was carried in 1992-1993. This paper describes the overall design and method of study, and dietary intake of heavy metals and other harmful elements, and pesticides. The average lead and mercury intakes were lower than those in 1990, and the dietary intake of cadmium was higher than that in 1990. The intake of aluminium and fluoride were reported for the first time. The levels of some contaminants in individual areas exceeded the tolerance limit. For example, mercury in North 1 exceeded 95.7% in legumes; fluoride in cereals, except South 2, exceeded 11.9%-95.3%. The intake of HCH was close to that in 1990, and the intake of DDT was lower than that in 1990. Seven out of the fifteen organophosphorus pesticides were detected in this study, although the dietary intakes were low, only accounted for about/or below 1% of ADI.

PMID: 10325634 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):16-18

Electrocardiogram analysis of patients with skeletal fluorosis

Xu RY and Xu RQ

Bao Tou Railway Hospital, Bao Tou, and Hohhot Municipal Sanitary and Anti-epidemic Station, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China

Summary: To investigate the degree of myocardial damage resulting from endemic fluorosis, electrocardiograms of 136 skeletal fluorosis patients from an endemic fluorosis area were compared with electrocardiograms of a control group of 40 normal patients from a non-endemic fluorosis area. The results show that fluoride in drinking water consumed over time is harmful not only to bones and teeth but also to the cardiovascular system, and confirm the urgent need to lower the fluoride content of drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas.


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):19-25

Fluorosis in children and sources of fluoride around Lake Elementaita region of Kenya

Kahama RW, Kariuki DN, Kariuki HN, Njenga LW

Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Kenya

Summary: During a project to determine the fluoride levels of milk in Lake Elementaita region, the authors were astonished by the high levels of fluorosis in children living in the area. With special reference to children, a study was designed to establish and describe the levels of dental fluorosis and also to determine other sources of fluoride to the community. The levels of dental fluorosis were recorded using Thylstrup and Fejerskov classification method (TF) for children aged between 2 and 14 years. Biodata information, feeding habits and details of fluoride history were collected using a questionnaire form filled out with the help of teachers and/or parents.

Results pertain to both continuous and non-continuous residents for both primary and permanent dentition. The high fluorosis level of 95.8% was associated with the fluoride concentration in the community water supply and food.

Food samples analysed for fluoride include cows milk (the major source of nutrients for children in the area), vegetables and water. Fluoride levels in drinking water from different boreholes were high, varying from 2.0-20.9 ug/mL-1. Milk fluoride levels in samples from seven localities ranged from 0.05-0.22 ug/mL-1 (mean) and an individual animal range of 0.02-0.35 ug/g-1. Vegetables had fluoride levels between 7.9-59.3 ug/g-1 with the exception of one with 296.5 ug/g-1. The soils in which the vegetables are grown had over 1000 ppm. This being a landscape formed by the process of faulting and volcanic activity, the dust from Lake Elementaita also had high fluoride concentration of 2300 ug/g-1.


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):26-28

Relations between environment and endemic fluorosis in Hohhot Region, Inner Mongolia.

Xu RQ, Wu DQ*, Xu RY

Hohhot Municipal Sanitary and Antiepidemic Station, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
* Inner Mongolia Sanitar and Antiepidemic Station

Summary: Results are reported of a compehensive investigation into fluoride levels in drinking water and other environmental characteristics, and the relation to endemic fluorosis, in Hohhot Region, Inner Mongolia.

Excerpt:

TABLE 1 Relation between fluorine content of drinking water and fluorosis
Fluoride content of drinking water Individuals examined

dental fluorosis

Cases

dental fluorosis

%

skeletal fluorosis

Cases

skeletal fluorosis

%

0.4 1046 128 12.23 0 0.00
0.65 941 126 13.39 2 0.21
1.4 1204 758 62.96 93 7.72
1.6 889 680 76.49 109 12.26
3.2 798 622 77.94 101 12.66
3.4 866 715 82.56 132 15.24
4.7 214 197 92.06 42 19.63
6.9 834 795 95.32 166 19.90
Total 6792 4021 59.20 645 9.50

Fluoride 1997; 30(1):29-32

Poisoning by coal smoke containing arsenic and fluoride

An D, He YG, Hu QX

Dr. An Dong, Guizhou Sanitary and Epidemic Station, 40 Barjiaoyen Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550004 China.

Sumary: An investigation was made into a disease involving skin pigmentation, keratosis of the hands and feet, dental discoloration, and generalized bone and joint pain, stiffness and rigidity, in the village of Bazhi, Zhijin County, Guizhou Province, People's Republic of China. Measurements were made of the arsenic and fluoride levels of coal, water, air, food, urine and hair in Bazhi and a control village, Xinzhai, in which coal with a low arsenic content was used. Up to 188 persons, including children, in Bazhi and 752 in Xinzhai, were examined for the presence of chronic arsenism, skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis and electrocardiogram abnormalities. The coal in Bazhi was found to contain high levels of arsenic and fluoride resulting, after burning in homes without an adequate chimney system for the removal of smoke, in pollution of air and food with arsenic and fluoride. The coal in Xinzhai did not cause arsenic pollution but did produce a higher level of fluoride pollution. Chronic arsenism was found to affect 30% of the persons in Bazhi but none in Xinzhai. In both villages 100% of the children aged 8-15 years had dental fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis was present in 47.5% of the adults in Bazhi and 56.1% of those in Xinzhai (difference not significant). It was concluded tht the endemic disease in Bazhi was caused by pollution by coal smoke containing arsenic and fluoride. It is suggested that arsenic may act synergistically with fluoride so that a lower level of fluoride may produce fluoride toxicity with dental and skeletal fluorosis.


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):33-40

Endemic fluorosis in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. III. Screening for fluoride exposure with a Geographic Information System

Grimaldo M (a), Turrubiartes F (b), Milan J (b), Pozos A (c), Alfaro C (d), Diaz-Barriga F (a)

(a) Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi, Mexico
(b) Facultad de Ingenieria, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi
(c) Facultad de Estomatologia, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi
(d) Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi

Summary: A Geographic Information System (GIS) coupled with environmental and health data was used for the study of human exposure to fluoride in the city of San Luis Potosi (SLP). The city was divided into four different risk areas. These areas were categorized according to fluoride levels in tap water, fluoride concentrations in well water and dental fluorosis prevalence in children. Fluoride levels in tap water apparently explain the prevalence of dental fluorosis. However, in SLP tap water is not the only source of fluoride. This conclusion was reached by finding that almost one third of the cildren studied in area 1 were categorzed as having moderate or severe dental fluorosis. Area 1 has a mean fluoride level of only 0.9 ppm in tap water. As a whole, this work is an example of how the use of a GIS can be useful for the identification of risk areas in terms of human exposure to fluoride. It also gave further evidence for the presence in SLP of sources of fluoride different from tap water.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9048414&dopt=Abstract

Pediatr Dent 1997 Jan-Feb;19(1):50-5

Patterns of fluoride dentifrice use among infants.

Levy SM, Kiritsy MC, Slager SL, Warren JJ, Kohout FJ.

Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, University of Iowa College of Denstitry, Iowa City, USA.

The early use of fluoride dentifrice and use of larger quantities recently have been identified as risk factors for dental fluorosis. However, little is known about fluoride dentifrice use and ingestion among infants and young children whose developing permanent teeth are at risk for dental fluorosis. This paper reports on patterns of fluoride dentifrice use among a birth cohort up to 12 months of age as reported by mothers by written questionnaire. Among those with teeth, percentages whose teeth were brushed at age 6, 9, and 12 months were 12.9%, 36.7%, and 64.5%, respectively. Percentages brushing with fluoride dentifrice were 1.9%, 11.7%, and 31.7%. Among those using dentifrice, the percentages using fluoride dentifrice were 94-97%. Among those using dentifrice, mean estimated quantities of fluoride from dentifrice used per brushing were 0.11, 0.14, and 0.17 mg F (range up to 0.88 mg). Among users, mean quantities of fluoride from dentifrice used per day were 0.21, 0.20, and 0.19 mg F (range up to 1.75 mg). Results suggest that fluoride dentifrice use among infants varies greatly, can be substantial, and can be a risk factor for dental, fluorosis.

PMID: 9048414 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):59-60

Report on 7th Polish Fluorine Symposium
Analysis of Fluorine Compounds

Szczecin, Poland, April 26-27, 1996

T Ogonski and Z Machoy


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):61-63

XXIst Conference Abstracts

Biological monitoring of fluoride-exposed workers especially for health care of elderly workers

K Kono

Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Osaka Medical College, Japan


Fluoride 1997; 30(1):63

XXIst Conference Abstracts

Dialyzability of fluoride in hemodialysis patients

Usuda K, Kono K, Watanabe M, Takahashi Y, Yoshida Y, Shimahara M *, Hashiguchi N *, Senda J *

Department of Hygiene and Public Health, * Department of Oral Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Japan


Fluoride 1997; 30(2):77-80

Nutrition survey in dental fluorosis-afflicted areas

Chen YX, Lin MQ, Xiao YD, Gan WM, Min D, Chen C

Jiangxi Institute of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China

Summary: The fluoride (F) intake, diet, and health status of children in two dental fluorosis-afflicted areas in the Province of Jiangxi, China were studied in an attempt to correlate nutritional status with dental fluorosis. The relationship between milk consuption and the incidence of dental fluorosis among the children was stressed in this study. Average body weight of the children approximated that of the national standard. Protein intake was above the national standard of 0.75 g/kg body weight/day, but the protein was derived mainly from plant sources. Calcium intake was found to be insufficient. Based on the diet and fluoride intake of the studied groups, the areas with a better nutritional status were found to have a lower incidence of dental fluorosis. The incidence among milk-consuming children was lower than that of non-milk-consuming children.


Fluoride 1997; 30(2):81-84

Toxicity from water containing arsenic and fluoride in Xinjiang

Wang GQ, Huang YZ, Xiao BY, Qian XC, Yao H, Hu Y, Gu YL, Zhang C, Liu KT

Xinjiang Medical College, Urumqi 830054, China

Summary: Further study was made of the estimated population of 50,760 using well water high in arsenic and fluoride in the area of Kuitun, in China, by examining, for arsenism and fluorosis, over 3,500 reidents using water from seven wells. Arsenic and fluoride were seen to be able to exert toxic effects independently when present in well water at levels of 0.12 mg/L or more of arsenic and 0.2 mg/L or more of fluoride. As the level of arsenic increased from 0.12 to 0.6 mg/L the incubation period for arsenism decreased from 10 to 0.5 years and the prevalence at 10 years increased from 1.4% to 47%. Improvement occurred in 82% and the development of new cases was prevented one year after the quality of the water improved.


Fluoride 1997; 30(2):85-88

Skeletal changes with toxicity from fluoride and aluminum

Chen XG, Zhou S, Jiao J, Ding YH, Zhao ZQ

Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical College, Guizhou 550001, People's Republic of China

Summary: Radiographic examination of 39 patients with toxicity from both fluoride and aluminum showed typical fetures of metabolic skeletal transformation including osteoporosis in cortical bone and osteosclerosis in cancellous bone. The pro-cortical bones were transformed into soft cortical bones and the pro-cancellous bones were transformed into disordered net-like bones wih a large amount of osteoid. These features may be useful in the classification of skeletal fluorosis.


Full report available at: http://www.fluoride-journal.com/97-30-2/302-89.htm

Fluoride 1997; 30(2):89-104

Re-examination of acute toxicity of fluoride

Kenji Akiniwa

Editor of Fluoride Research, Journal of the Japanese Society for Fluoride Research. Address: 3-9-22 Asahi machi, Machida City, Tokyo, Japan 194

Summary: The acute toxic dose of fluoride has been believed to be 2 to 5 mg or 8 mg/kg of body weight. However, acute fluoride poisonings have occurred at doses of 0.1 to 0.8 mgF/kg of body weight in the USA.

In Japan, a school-based anticarogenic program is being carried out with fluoride mouth rinses containing 500 to 2000 ppm sodium fluoride on approximately 158,000 persons, consisting mainly of elementary and junior high school schildren. Thus the safety problem of this treatment atracts much attention. Fluoride retention is said to be around 15 to 30% in fluoride mouth rinsing. In this paper, on the basis of toxic doses estimated in outbreaks of fluoride poisoning, the potential for acute poisoning by fluoride ingested during mouth rinsing is stressed.

Acute fluoride poisoning is shown to be caused by exposure to lower doses of fluoride than commonly suggested. The toxic dose of fluoride should therefore be re-examined.


Perspectives in Biology and Medicine 1997; 41:29-44

Why I changed my mind about water fluoridation

John Colquhoun

School of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Excerpt: To explain how I came to change my opinion about water fluoridation, I must go back to when I was an ardent advocate of the procedure. I now realize that I had learned, in my training in dentistry, only one side of the scientific controversy over fluoridation. I had been taught, and believed, that there was really no scientific case against fluoridation, and that only misinformed lay people and a few crackpot professionals were foolish enough to oppose it. I recall how, after I had been elected to a local government in Auckland (New Zealand's largest city, where I practiced dentistry for many years and where I eventually became the Principal Dental Officer) I had fiercely - and, I now regret, rather arrogantly - poured scorn on another Council member (a lay person who had heard and accepted the case against fluoridation) and persuaded the Mayor and the majority of my fellow councillors to agree to fluoridation of our water supply...


Fluoride 1998; 31(2):102

Book Review

The Perils of Progress
The health and environmental hazards of modern technology & what you can do about them

by J Ashton and R Laura

University of New South Wales Press, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia. 346 pages.

Reviewed by Bill Wilson

Excerpt: ... A whole chapter discusses the water fluoridation debate, fully examines the evidence of benefit and risks, and concludes: "Whether the fluoridation campaign must be indicted as a public health campaign gone badly wrong is a judgement best reserved for the reader. Whatever the judgement, it is incontestable that the prevention of tooth decay is not the bottom-line of the fluoridation debate, if the panacea has become the poison."


Fluoride 1997; 30(2):110-112

Book Review

The Metabolism and toxicity of fluoride

by Gary Whitford

(2nd revised edition, Karger, Basel 1996)

Reviewed by Bruce Spittle (a) and John Colquhoun (B)

(a) Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, New Zealand
(b) Education Department, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Excerpt: ... the book provides extensive information on the metabolism of fluoride and has gained a place in the training of dentists and public health specialists. However, because of the author's uncritical acceptance of evidence for the efficacy of fluoride in reducing dental caries, and for its safety when consumed on a long-term basis, we are unable to assess this book as being truly scientific in its approach.


Fluoride 1997; 30(2):113

XXIst Conference Abstracts

Fluoridated water and Down's syndrome

AW Burgstahler

Reports appearing between 1956 and 1963 indicated a positive association between the congenital malformation known as Down's syndrome (DS, trisomy 21 or mongolism) and the fluoride content of drinking water in north central regions of the United States. Although widely disputed or ignored, these findings are supported by results of later investigations that, after further analysis, also confirm the additional important observation of higher rates of DS births among younger mothers living in fluoridated areas.

Here, in this paper, related findings on the occurrence of DS in Lower Michigan during the period 1951-1964 are presented. The data, based on over 2,000 recorded cases, indicate a 10 to 30 percent higher rate of DS births by maternal residence in urban areas with, or after, fluoridation of the municipal waer supply. Overall, with all cities of 2,500 or more residents included (1950 census), the rate was 1.06 DS births per 1,000 live births in fluoridated communities compared to 0.94 in non-fluridted communties (0.88 if the very large city of Detroit is included). For all cities of 25,000 to 200,000 population, the rates were 1.04 vs. 0.73. These differences, by the Chi-square test, have P <0.065, 0.008, and 0.001, respectively. Besides this agreement with results of previous investigtions by others, the present work also revealed a higher frequency of DS births among younger mothers in the fluoridated communities.


Full report available at http://www.fluoride-journal.com/97-30-3/303-179.htm

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 1997; 21(2)


New evidence on fluoridation

Diesendorf M, Colquhoun J, Spittle BJ, Everingham DN, Clutterbuck FW

Mark Diesendorf is Professor of Environmental Science and Director, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007, Australia. Fax 61 2 9209 4351.
John Colquhoun is an Honorary Research Fellow, School of Education, University of Auckland.
Bruce Spittle is Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago School of Medical, Dunedin.
Douglas Everingham is a retired medical practitioner and former Australian Federal Minister of Health.
Frederick Clutterbuck is a medical practitioner in Brisbane. Correspondence to Professor Diesendorf.

Summary: A review of recent scientific literature reveals a consistent pattern of evidence Ð hip fractures, skeletal fluorosis, the effect of fluoride on bone structure, fluoride levels in bones and osteosarcomas Ð pointing to the existence of causal mechanisms by which fluoride damages bones. In addition, there is evidence, accepted by some eminent dental researchers and at least one leading US proponent of fluoridation, that there is negligible benefit from ingesting fluoride, and that any (small) benefit from fluoridation comes from the action of fluoride at the surface of the teeth before fluoridated water is swallowed. Public health authorities in Australia and New Zealand have appeared reluctant to consider openly and frankly the implications of this and earlier scientific evidence unfavourable to the continuation of the fluoridation of drinking water supplies. In recent years, new scientific evidence has emerged which suggests that there are significant risks and negligible benefits from ingesting low levels of fluoride. We outline the evidence that fluoridation of water supplies is harmful to bone, while providing negligible benefits when swallowed. In focussing on the new evidence (mostly since 1989) in just two areas, it is not intended to diminish the importance of earlier evidence for concern about the health hazards of fluoridation: notably dental fluorosis, allergies and intolerance reactions, and genetic damage. These are reviewed elsewhere.1-3


http://www.fluoride-journal.com/97-30-3/303-188b.htm

European Journal of Forest Pathology 1997; 27(2):73-82

Accumulation of airborne fluorides in forest trees and vegetation

RH Hogskolevein

Agricultural University of Norway, Norwegian Forest Research Institute, Hogskoleveien 12, N-1432 AS, Norway

Summary: The accumulation of fluoride in natural vegetation exposed to emissions from active aluminium smelter plants in Norway was studied during the years 1990-93. About 2000 leaf, bark and twig samples of 60 plant species, collected mostly during the growing season, were analysed. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) was widespread and common in the areas studied, and was used as a reference species. Fluoride concentrations in monthly samples of rowan leaves were linearly related to fluoride exposure (average fluoride concentration in ambient air x days since leaf emergence). The accumulation coefficient for rowan was estimated to be 1.7 m3/g dry wt. day. Most other species had values between 0.3 and 1.5; the median for all species was 0.8. The fern Dryopteris filix-mds was exceptional, containing on average three times greater fluoride concentrations than rowan. High background levels indicated that soil uptake contributed significantly to the fluoride accumulation in this species. The fluoride concentrations in bark and shoots of trees were mostly low compared with leaves, but the bark of Betula pendula and B. pubescens had very high concentrations.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9383753&dopt=Abstract

J Public Health Dent 1997 Summer;57(3):150-8

Acute fluoride toxicity from ingesting home-use dental products in children, birth to 6 years of age.

Shulman JD, Wells LM.

Texas A&M University System, Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas 75266-0677, USA. jshulman@tambcd.edu

OBJECTIVE: This paper analyzes reports to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) of suspected overingestion of fluoride by children younger than 6 years of age between 1989 and 1994, and estimates the probably toxic amounts of various home-use fluoride products in children younger than 6 years of age.
METHODS: Annual incidence rates of reported fluoride exposures attributed to dietary supplements, toothpaste, and rinses were calculated. Probably toxic amounts of each product were calculated using the frequently cited dose of 5 mg/kg.
RESULTS: Children younger than 6 years of age accounted for more than 80 percent of reports of suspected overingestion. While the outcomes were generally not serious, several hundred children were treated at health care facilities each year. A 10 kg child who ingests 50 mg fluoride (10.1 g 1.1% NaF gel; 32.7 g 0.63% SnF2 gel; 33.3 g 1,500 ppm F toothpaste; 50 g 1,000 ppm F toothpaste; and 221 mL 0.05% NaF rinse) will have ingested a probably toxic dose.
CONCLUSIONS: Overingestion of fluoride products in the home is preventable. Dentists and other health care providers should educate parents and child care providers about the importance of keeping fluoride products out of reach of children. Manufacturers should be encouraged by the ADA and the FDA to use child-resistant packaging for all fluoride products intended for use in the home.

PMID: 9383753 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9352334&dopt=Abstract

Int Arch Occup Environ Health 1997;70(5):314-20

Respiratory impairment among children living in the vicinity of a fertilizer plant.

Gomzi M, Saric M.

Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.

The study included 162 second-grade children (85 boys and 77 girls) aged 8-9 years, attending two schools in an area with a fertilizer production plant, and 59 second-graders of the same age (32 boys and 27 girls) from a small neighbouring town located 20 km west of the plant, without any particular source of pollution. During the period from December 1990 to May 1991 the incidence of acute respiratory diseases was surveyed in children and their family members, and forced expiratory volumes were measured in selected second-graders in December 1990 and April 1991. In the area with the fertilizer plant as well as in the compared area ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, nitrogen dioxide, total suspended particulate matter and smoke were measured daily in ambient air and inside the school buildings. The mean concentrations of pollutants during the study period were below the recommended limits, with only a few exceptions, but daily fluctuations, particularly of ammonia and hydrogen fluoride in the area around the plant happened to exceed these values. The observed differences in the levels of air pollution correlated to some extent with the health parameters followed up during the study period. The incidence of acute respiratory diseases corresponded to the registered differences in the exposure to measured pollutants. Forced expiratory volume values in the compared groups of children did not consistently reflect the differences in exposure levels.

PMID: 9352334 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9511007&dopt=Abstract

Br Poult Sci 1997 Dec;38(5):597-602

Fluoride tolerance of laying hens.

Coetzee CB, Casey NH, Meyer JA.

Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Pretoria University, South Africa.

1. One thousand Silver Grey Hyline hens were given drinking water containing 5 concentrations of added sodium fluoride (0, 6, 10, 14 and 20 mg/l) over a 17-week growth and 57-week laying period. The natural fluoride content of the water was 0.21 mg/l during the growing period and 0.29 mg/l throughout lay.
2. During the rearing phase, efficiency of food utilisation and mortality were not significantly affected by the fluoride concentration of the water. Weight gain and food intake decreased in the 10 and 14 mg/l fluoride treatments.
3. During the laying period, the fluoride content of the water had a significant effect on egg production, but eggshell breaking strength was not significantly influenced.
4. Post mortem analyses, carried out at the end of lay (74 weeks of age), showed that carcase weight and the fluoride content of the os femur increased significantly as the fluoride concentration in the water increased; the increase in bone fluoride followed a linear pattern.
5. Histopathology showed no evidence of changes in the livers or kidneys; liver weights and breaking strength of the os femur were unaffected by the amount of fluoride consumed. 6. The data showed that under commercial conditions, laying birds can tolerate ingesting 4.453 mg fluoride/day for up to 74 weeks.

PMID: 9511007 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9323392&dopt=Abstract

Public Health Rep 1997 Sep-Oct;112(5):403-9

Outbreak of acute fluoride poisoning caused by a fluoride overfeed, Mississippi, 1993.

Penman AD, Brackin BT, Embrey R.

Office of Community Health Services, Mississippi State Health Dept., Jackson 39215, USA. adp2@cdc.gov

OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent and confirm the cause of an August 1993 outbreak of acute fluoride poisoning in a small Mississippi community, thought to result from excess fluoride in the public water supply.
METHODS: State health department investigators interviewed patrons of a restaurant where the outbreak first became manifest and obtained blood and urine samples for measurement of fluoride levels. State health department staff conducted a random sample telephone survey of community households. Public health environmentalists obtained water and ice samples from the restaurant and tap water samples from a household close to one of the town's water treatment plant for analysis. Health department investigators and town water department officials inspected the fluoridation system at the town's main water treatment plant.
RESULTS: Thirty-four of 62 restaurant patrons reported acute gastrointestinal illness over a 24-hour period. Twenty of 61 households that used the community water supply reported one or more residents with acute gastrointestinal illness over a four-day period, compared with 3 of 13 households that did not use the community water supply. Restaurant water and ice samples contained more than 40 milligrams of fluoride per liter (mg/L), more than 20 times the recommended limit, and a tap water sample from a house located near the main treatment plant contained 200 mg/l of fluoride. An investigation determined that a faulty feed pump at one of the town's two treatment plants had allowed saturated fluoride solution to siphon from the saturator tank into the ground reservoir and that a large bolus of this overfluoridated water had been pumped accidentally into the town system.
CONCLUSIONS: Correct installation and regular inspection and maintenance of fluoridation systems are needed to prevent such incidents.

PMID: 9323392 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9072030&dopt=Abstract

Occup Environ Med 1997 Jan;54(1):27-31

Relation between decline in FEV1 and exposure to dust and tobacco smoke in aluminium potroom workers.

Soyseth V, Boe J, Kongerud J.

Hydro Aluminium Ardal, Norway.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relation between pulmonary function and occupational exposure in aluminium pot operators.
METHODS: 2795 observations were obtained in 630 workers over six years of follow up. An autoregressive method of analysis was used.
RESULTS: After adjustment for FEV1 in the three previous years, the effect of smoking v no smoking on FEV1 was -43.1 ml, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -72.3 to -13.9. Similarly, an increase in the exposure to particulates by 1 mg/m3 corresponded to a decrease in FEV1 of -11.9 ml, 95% CI -19.9 to -3.9. Age was a significant predictor of both FEV1 and FVC.
CONCLUSION: Exposure to particulates in aluminium potrooms seems to increase the decline in FEV15 thereby increasing the risk of development of chronic obstructive lung disease in pot operators.

PMID: 9072030 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9072031&dopt=Abstract

Occup Environ Med 1997 Jan;54(1):32-7

Exposure to hydrogen fluoride: an experimental study in humans of concentrations of fluoride in plasma, symptoms, and lung function.

Lund K, Ekstrand J, Boe J, Sostrand P, Kongerud J.

Department of Thoracic Medicine, National Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway.

OBJECTIVES: To study the absorption of inhaled hydrogen fluoride (HF) by measuring plasma fluorides and HF concentrations in the breathing zone during exposure to HF. A possible dose-effect relation was investigated by following airway symptoms and lung function-that is, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC)-during and after exposure to HF.
METHODS: 20 healthy, male volunteers were exposed for one hour to constant HF concentrations that ranged from 0.2 to 5.2 mg/m3; these concentrations are known to occur among potroom workers in the primary aluminium industry. Plasma fluorides were analysed before, during, and after exposure. Symptoms from the eyes and the upper and lower airways were registered and graded from 1 to 5 with a standardised questionnaire.
RESULTS: The total symptom score was significantly increased at the end of exposure for all the subjects as a group (P < 0.01) and for the group exposed to HF below the present Norwegian standard for total fluorides 0.6 mg/m3 (P = 0.05). No change was detected in FEV15 although a significant decrease was found in FVC in the group exposed to fluorides below the hygienic standard (n = 9) and for the entire group (n = 23). Almost all the symptoms had disappeared four hours after the end of exposure. Symptom scores from the upper airways were significantly correlated with the HF concentration (r = 0.62, P = 0.002), the change in plasma fluoride concentration (delta C) (r = 0.51, P = 0.01), and the maximum plasma fluoride concentration (Cmax) (r = 0.42, P = 0.05). A significant correlation was also found between the total symptom score for airways and the HF concentration.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed a strong relation between inhaled HF and concentrations of fluoride in plasma. Upper airway and eye symptoms occurred after one hour of exposure to HF even when below the Norwegian hygienic standard for fluorides.

PMID: 9072031 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9447740&dopt=Abstract

Sci Total Environ 1997 Nov 27;207(2-3):105-9

Hydrofluorosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in India.

Dwivedi SK, Dey S, Swarup D.

Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.

The concentration of fluoride was determined in water, forage and urine and serum samples of buffaloes from the Unnao district of India. The water and forage samples contained 2.01 +/- 0.51 and 22.50 +/- 0.82 ppm of fluoride, respectively. The analysis of biosamples collected from the affected animals revealed higher levels of fluoride in serum (0.58 +/- 0.05 ppm) and urine (10.64 +/- 1.23 ppm). Clinical examination identified a 40.34% prevalence rate of clinical lesions suggestive of fluorosis in buffalo of this locality. Dental lesions were present invariably in all affected animals whereas lameness, painful bony exostosis and emaciation were recorded in 28.17%, 8.45% and 76.00% of the animals. Based on the clinical lesions and fluoride content in water, serum and urine, it was concluded that the problem of fluorosis in buffalo is attributable to drinking water containing toxic levels of fluoride.

PMID: 9447740 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9574986&dopt=Abstract

Med Tr Prom Ekol 1997;(11):22-7

[Chronic intoxication by fluor manifesting as pathological changes in connective tissues resulting in premature aging (analytical review)]

[Article in Russian]

Razumov VV.

Institut kompleksnykh problem gigieny i professional'nykh zabolivanii SO RAMN, Novokuznetsk.

Publication Types: Review. Review, Tutorial

PMID: 9574986 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9208466&dopt=Abstract

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1997 Jul;58(7):521-5

A test chamber for experimental hydrogen fluoride exposure in humans.

Sostrand P, Kongerud J, Eduard W, Nilsen T, Skogland M, Boe J.

National Institute of Occupational Health, Norway.

An inhalation chamber was built to perform experimental studies with hydrogen fluoride (HF), other gases, and particulate matter. The present study sought to describe a new gas delivery system and the distribution and concentration of HF gas in the chamber. The aluminum chamber has a volume of 19.2 m3 and a variable ventilation rate of about 1 to 10 air changes per hour. The negative pressure difference between the chamber and outside air can be regulated from 0 to 300 Pa. HF was fed at concentrations of up to 4000 mg/m3 directly into the ventilation duct feeding the chamber through openings with diameters as small as 50 microns, oriented opposite to the airflow. Gas flow was varied from about 0.1 dm3/min at a pressure of 4 atm. The dilution factor of HF concentration from cylinder to chamber was on the order of 10(3) to 10(4). The standard deviation (SD) of the HF concentrations at a fixed measurement point during a 1-hour test was typically 0.05 mg/m3 at a time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of 2.66 mg/m3. The SD of the TWA HF concentrations at six locations in the chamber was typically 0.05 mg/m3 and 0.29 mg/m3 at 0.61 and 3.46 mg/m3, respectively. Human exposure could be predicted from calculations based on ventilation data, gas flow, and observed ratio between calculated and measured concentrations. When the target exposure concentration was 1.5 mg/m3, the measured mean exposure concentration was typically 1.54 mg/m3 (range: 1.4-1.7 mg/m3, SD 0.09 mg/m3, n = 8). The chamber is well-suited for inhalation studies in humans. Chamber atmosphere was controlled and has proved to be stable and homogeneous, even in tests with HF, a highly reactive gas in the class of superacids.

PMID: 9208466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9383752&dopt=Abstract

J Public Health Dent 1997 Summer;57(3):144-9

The influence of various fluoride exposures on the prevalence of esthetic problems resulting from dental fluorosis.

Clark DC, Berkowitz J.

Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. dcc@unixg.ubc.ca

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the prevalence of esthetic problems due to dental fluorosis, and determine the relationship of different fluoride exposure histories to the occurrence of these problems.
METHODS: In 1993-94 2,715 children in grades 2 and 3 and 3,297 adolescents in grades 8 and 9 were examined by four dentists. Questionnaires detailing exposures to various fluoride technologies were collected from 3,022 of these study participants. Esthetic ratings of the participants' maxillary anterior teeth were made by the examiners, the participants themselves, and their parents using questionnaires designed for this purpose.
RESULTS: Data indicate that 46 percent of the participants had dental fluorosis. Only 40 percent had fluorosis on anterior maxillary teeth. The prevalence of esthetic problems ranged from about 1 percent to 4 percent, depending on how an esthetic problem was defined. Esthetic problems as defined by the participant were more prevalent for the "over 11" age group. Logistic regression results demonstrated significant associations between several of the classifications of esthetic problems and the use of fluoride supplements and dentifrices, and exposure to fluoridated water during the third year of life.
CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that the prevalence of esthetic problems is low in the communities surveyed, and that exposure to any number of fluoride technologies in the third year of life can increase a child's risk for this problem.

PMID: 9383752 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Account Res 1997;5(1-3):225-37

Suppression by medical journals of a warning about overdosing formula-fed infants with fluoride.

Diesendorf M, Diesendorf A.

The authors explain: "The work reported in this paper may be considered to be an unplanned experiment to investigate the power structure of medicine in the area of fluoride science in general and water fluoridtion in particular. This paper also seeks to alert scientists and medical practioners to the existence of a particular subgroup of the population in fluoridated areas which ingests much higher doses of fluoride than average."

In January 1990, a short letter was sent to the editor of the international medical journal, Pediatrics, to alert its reades that the standard, highly quoted paper by Singer and Ophaug on fluoride intake by infants, published in 1979 in the same journal, requried revision/correction in order to protect one group of infants who are fed almost entirely on powdered formula which is reconstituted with fluroidated water.

The letter was based on the well-established pediatric guidelines of water intake by infants and the fundamental toxicological principle of protecting groups at highest risk. It did not question the fluoridation of public water supplies. Nevertheless, the letter, together with a response to it by Ophaug, was rejected by the editor of Pediatrics, "due to a large backlog of articles." Following a protest, the letter was reviewed by three referees, two of whom conceded its main point, but was still not published.

In the present paper, the original, previously unpublished letter on fluoride intake by infants is first reproduced verbatim, and then the comments of the referees and editors are reported and examined. It is concluded that the most plausible explanation for the rejection of the letter is that it might assist the anti-fluoridation movement. Another possible contributing explanation is that publication of the letter might reduce the status of the scholars who had defended the previous position and might be perceived to diminish the status of the journal.


Przeglad Lekarski 1997; 54(4):269-71

Evaluation of bone mineral density in the distal radius of former workers employed at the aluminum works

[Article in Polish]

Czerwinski E, Friedlein J, Kukielka RT

Kliniki Ortopedii Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytetu Jagiellonskiego w Krakowie, Krakow, Poland

Fluoride causes an increase in bone mass by stimulation of osteogenic process. This effect is used in treatment of osteoporosis. Chronic exposure to fluoride in aluminium works can cause an industrial fluorosis, which is characerised by increased mineral content in bone tissue. It is well known that after cessation of fluoride, it is gradually eliminated from the bone. Probably this same process can exist in patients with osteoporosis after stopping of osteoporosis treatment, so we decided to estimate bone mineral density in former workers of aluminium works. For investigtion a group of 169 of men in mean age of 50.0 years, all of whom had worked for at least five years (average 12.9 yrs) in Skawina aluminium works before their closure in 1981, was selected. The control group was 29 men in the same age not eposed for fluoride. In all patients bone desitometry in distal and ultradistal region was evaluated. Decreased bone mineral density was found in workers of aluminium workers, compared to the control group, particularly in age groups of 40-44 and 50-54 years. Differences were bigger in measurements of trabecular bone.


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9314656&dopt=Abstract

Br Dent J 1997 Sep 13;183(5):165-70

The relationship between reported toothpaste usage in infancy and fluorosis of permanent incisors.

Rock WP, Sabieha AM.

University of Birmingham, School of Dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: To examine a possible relationship between reported toothbrushing habits in infancy and fluorosis of permanent maxillary incisors at age 8-9 years.
DESIGN: Comparison of clinical findings with retrospective survey data.
SETTING: Five primary schools in the City of Birmingham where the water is fluoridated at 1.0 mg F/l.
SUBJECT AND METHODS: Results of clinical examinations were compared with historical data collected via parental questionnaires. Maxillary central incisors of 325 consecutive children were examined for fluorosis clinically and photographically according to the criteria of the Modified Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. 112 children had fluorosis and 213 did not. Information concerning toothbrushing habits in infancy was obtained via a questionnaire to parents who were also asked to add paste to a brush in a similar way to when the children were small. From a combination of questionnaire replies and paste weights the amount of fluoride that each child may have ingested from toothpaste each day was then estimated.
RESULTS: Highly significant associations were found between estimated fluoride ingestion from toothpaste and fluorosis. The mean DMF score of the fluorosis group was half that of the fluorosis-free children. The prevalence of fluorosis among children in ACORN group A-C was significantly greater than in groups D-F.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study suggest that toothpaste swallowing may be a factor in the production of fluorosis.

PMID: 9314656 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


 

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