Analysis of survey results of endemic fluorosis in Shandong province in 2008

Objective To investigate the current status of endemic fluorosis in Shandong province, and to provide scientific evidence for the development of control strategies. Methods According to "The National Technical Scheme for Endemic Disease Control in 2007", 19 counties were chosen to carry out the epidemiological investigation in 2008. Water and urinary fluoride were determined by F-ion selective electrode, dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 were diagnosed by Dean method and skeletal fluorosis of adults over the age of 16 were examined clinically and by X-rays. Results In 19 counties, 186 villages were surveyed, 44 villages were found with mean water fluoride ≤ 1.00 mg/L, accounting for 23.66%(44/186);the value ＞ 1.00 mg/L in 142 villages,accounting for 76.34% (142/186);maximum water fluoride 8.88 mg/L. Total detection rate of dental fluorosis of children aged 8 to 12 was 66.35% (4518/6809), dental fluorosis index was 1.55, and defect rate was 15.39%(1048/6809). Children with urinary fluoride ＞ 1.40 mg/L was 83.29%(2149/2580), and the maximum value was 31.92 mg/L. Detection rates of skeletal fluorosis clinically and by X ray among adults over 16 years were 6.37%(5577/87 607) and 20.23% (229/1132), respectively. Conclusions Endemic fluorosis in Shandong province is still serious, prevention efforts need to be further increased. Key words: Endemic diseases; Fluorosis, dental; Osteofluorosis; Data collection