NEW DELHI, India, May 19 — SEVEN VILLAGES in south Delhi have been affected by fluorosis because of contaminated underground water, according to a study done by Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundation.

The report has revealed the presence of 32.0 mg of fluoride per litre in underground water used for drinking purposes in these areas.

One mg per litre of fluoride is the upper limit for the human body to sustain. The study was presented at the National Conference on Controlling Ground Water Pollution, organised by IIT Delhi on Thursday.

“Most of our cases discussed in the study paper are from Palam area of Delhi. But I also have patients from all over the city afflicted with fluorosis. It is important to make mandatory hundred per cent source testing of fluoride in tubewells”, said A.K. Susheela, former professor at AIIMS, at present director Fluorosis Research and Rural Development Foundation.

Dental fluorosis was found to be prevalent in 2 to 34.8 per cent of children living in the village. Moreover, 19.5 to 32 per cent of patients were found to be suffering from skeletal fluorosis (joint pain) and over 56 per cent patients were found to be suffering from non-skeletal fluorosis, which includes gastro-intestinal discomforts, excessive thirst, tendency to urinate frequently, fatigue and muscle weakness, frequent headaches.

The researchers are also worried about presence of arsenic, a poisonous chemical in drinking water in several parts of the country.

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