Fluoride in Groundwater of Chhattisgarh: A Comprehensive Review of Health Impacts on Humans, Mitigation Strategies and Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

Fluorosis is a slowly progressing and often neglected disease that poses great health challenges by gradually affecting the human body. Although fluoride toxicity is theoretically reversible, such slow progression leaves with few choices of cure for these side effects, making prevention crucial. Inequitable access to safe sources of drinking water has worsened the prevalence of dental fluorosis, especially in regions where the concentration of fluoride in water is high. This review discusses the association between fluoride exposure, dental fluorosis, and skeletal fluorosis, bringing together an elaborate study of the negative effects that fluoride has on the human body. Skeletal fluorosis is one of the conditions that have received much attention lately. It remains the central theme in this study, which provides information about the latest discoveries made on this condition, detailing its prevalence, health effects, and the course it takes. It also reviews the latest developments in the prevention of fluorosis: new and cheap fluoride removal technologies and mitigation techniques. The conclusions are meant to stimulate further studies on the treatments of fluorosis and on ways to provide clean drinking water inexpensively and sustainably. Fluoride contamination of water is driven by geochemical reactions and natural as well as anthropogenic activities. Although fluoride is necessary for health, quantities over 1.5 mg L⁻¹ are toxic, and prolonged exposure through water has severe health effects, including skeletal fluorosis and oxidative damage to vital organs such as kidneys, the brain, thyroid gland, and liver. The review shows the need of prevention and intervention while shedding light on the multifaceted impacts from fluoride toxicity. By focusing on fluoride pollution, the article aims at unravelling the burden on human health and global water security in safeguarding human lives.