Abstract

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The review of this article is focusing on role of chemical nature of fluoride on human health and environment. Fluoride has both positive and negative effects on human health and environment. However this positive effect is felt when the fluoride concentration is low. At higher concentration the negative affects of fluoride far out way its positive effects. Millions of people all over the world presently suffer from a debilitating bone disease called skeletal fluorosis and also from dental fluorosis. Apart from dental and skeletal fluorosis fluoride also affects many vital organs of the body. Scientists and Doctors across the world have worked extensively on the health impacts of fluoride on humans and animals and found that fluoride has tremendous impact on the living system. The only remedy is prevention by keeping fluoride intake within the safe limits. Fluoride poisoning can be prevented or minimized by using alternative water sources, removing excess fluoride, and improving the nutritional status of the population at risk. Clinical data indicate that adequate calcium intake is clearly associated with a reduced risk of dental fluorosis. Vitamin C may also act as a safeguard against the risk. Therefore, measures to improve the nutritional status of an affected population, particularly in children, appear to be an effective supplement for an antidote against fluorosis.

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