Question

Which of the following is a correct statement? (a) The permissible limit of fluoridc ion in drinking water is 1 to 2 ppm. (b) the discasc caused by cxcess fluoridc in water is skeletal fluorosis. (c) The discase caused by fluoridc less than \(1 \mathrm{ppm}\) is dcntal carics. (d) \Lambdall the above.

Short answer

Correct statements are (b) and (c). (a) is incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

- Evaluate Option (a)

Analyze the permissible limit of fluoride ion in drinking water. According to many health organizations, the permissible limit of fluoride in drinking water is typically around 1.0 ppm, not between 1 to 2 ppm. Therefore, statement (a) is incorrect.

- Evaluate Option (b)

Determine the disease caused by excess fluoride in water. Excess fluoride can indeed cause skeletal fluorosis, which is characterized by pain and damage to bones and joints. Thus, statement (b) is correct.

- Evaluate Option (c)

Identify the disease caused by fluoride less than 1 ppm. Low levels of fluoride in drinking water can lead to dental caries, or cavities. Thus, statement (c) is correct.

- Evaluate Option (d)

Check if all the previous statements combined could be correct. Since statements (a) is incorrect but (b) and (c) are correct, option (d), implying that all statements are correct, cannot be true.

- Conclusion

Combine the findings from all steps. Since (b) and (c) are correct but (a) is not, the best choice cannot imply that all are correct. Hence, the correct statement is a combination of (b) and (c).

Key concepts

permissible fluoride limit

The permissible fluoride limit in drinking water is crucial for maintaining oral health without risking other health issues. According to health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the permissible fluoride level is around 1.0 parts per million (ppm).
This is because fluoride at this level helps in preventing dental caries while minimizing the risk of adverse effects like skeletal fluorosis.
It is important to note that the permissible range is not broad; exceeding this limit can lead to significant health problems.

Meeting these standards ensures that water supplies are both safe for consumption and effective in promoting health.
This makes regular testing and monitoring crucial for water providers and public health authorities.

• Too much fluoride: leads to health problems.
• Too little fluoride: can cause dental issues.

skeletal fluorosis

Skeletal fluorosis is a serious condition caused by excessive fluoride intake, especially through drinking water.
It usually occurs in areas where fluoride levels in the water are excessively high, and prolonged exposure can lead to this debilitating condition.
The primary symptoms include pain and stiffness in joints, alterations in bone structure, and limited mobility.

Over time, the bones become extremely dense and hard, yet brittle, making them more prone to fractures.

It's critical to control fluoride levels in water to prevent this.

• Common in regions with high natural fluoride levels.
• Avoid by keeping fluoride levels within permissible limits.
• Diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms resemble other joint diseases.

dental caries

Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, occur when the level of fluoride in drinking water is too low, especially below 1 ppm.
Fluoride is essential in strengthening teeth enamel and making them resistant to decay caused by acids from bacteria in the mouth.
Without adequate fluoride, enamel becomes less resistant, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
Regular exposure to appropriate fluoride levels is key in dental health to reduce the incidence of caries. Here are a few points about dental caries related to low fluoride levels:

• Cavities form due to a lack of sufficient fluoride.
• Optimal fluoride levels help in reducing dental caries.
• Fluoride in drinking water is a preventive measure against tooth decay.