Abstract

Composite examinations of 116 persons, employees of Phosphate Fertilizers Plant in Gdansk, with an average length of service ca. 15 years, were carried out. It was found that the frequency of occurrence of the chronic non-specific diseases of the lungs was not higher than in other works where dust and gaseous hazards of respiratory tract occur. However, at persons with longer length of service, the long-term effects of fluorine influence were found. They were revealed in disturbances of the carbohydrates balance and mineral balance, with radiographically seen thickening of the osseous structure.

Excerpt:

In our research no essential changes in blood morphology and kidneys function were found, as well as estimation of liver efficiency was positive. The biggest number of changes which indicate toxic effect of fluorine, was found while analysing sugar curves and phosphorus-calcium-magnesium balance. Six cases of diabetes, 4 of them of early type were diagnosed, mainly in production division.

On an average, the biggest levels of sugar unfed as well as after administering of glucose, were found at the employees, who dispatched superphosphate, then little lower, at those who produced this fertilizers and phosphoric acid. The disturbances in carbohydrates balance were found at the employees of Phosphate Fertilizers Plant in Szczecin (27), and even at dockers who worked short time with loading/discharging of phosphorites and apatites (8). The number of diabetes cases found is bigger than the average for Polish population, in which according to Kodejszko, are 1-1.5% of cases of diabetes with clinic symptoms and, approximately, 1,5% cases of latent diabetes (19).

Hyperfluorinaemia, which is found at the workers employed in phosphates plants, exposed to long term contact with fluorine compounds, can lead into disturbances in mineral balance. These disturbances occur first of all in balance of such elements as calcium and phosphorus. It is thought that one of the reasons of this occurrence is an inhibiting effect of fluorine ions on alkaline phosphatase activity. The activators of the latter are, among other things ions of magnesium (19). …

Print PDF

• Related Studies :

  • Changes in the concentration of fluoride in the serum and bones of female rats with streptozotocin induced diabetes.

    The aim of this study was to determine if streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats as a model for Type-1 human diabetes causes changes in the levels of fluoride (F) and biogenic elements in the bones and serum in the initial stage of the disease. Twenty-two female Wistar rats were given streptozotocin

  • Effects of fluoride on metabolism and mechanical properties of rat bone

    Young rats were maintained, over a 2-week period, on laboratory chow and distilled water or water supplemented with 200 ppm fluoride. Metaphyseal and diaphyseal bone of the femurs and tibias of control and treated rats were analyzed. After fluoride treatment there was a decrease of lipid and citrate content and

  • The pathogenesis of endemic fluorosis: Research progress in the last 5 years.

    Fluorine is one of the trace elements necessary for health. It has many physiological functions, and participates in normal metabolism. However, fluorine has paradoxical effects on the body. Many studies have shown that tissues and organs of humans and animals appear to suffer different degrees of damage after long-term direct

  • Effects of fluoride on insulin signaling and bone metabolism in ovariectomized rats

    Fluoride is an essential trace element for the maintenance of bone health owing to its capacity to stimulate proliferation and osteoblastic activity that can lead to increased bone formation. However, excessive sodium fluoride (NaF) intake can impair carbohydrate metabolism thereby promoting hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and changes in insulin signaling. Thus,

  • Fluoride intake, distribution, and bone content in diabetic rats consuming fluoridated drinking water

    SUMMARY: The aim of this study was to determine how metabolic and functional changes in diabetes affect the fluoride intake, distribution, and concentration in bone tissue; and whether alterations in fluoride metabolism in diabetes may influence the severity of the disorder. Two groups of rats received 0 (C) or 10

• Related FAN Content :

  • NRC (2006): Fluoride's Effect on Glucose Metabolism

     This section on Diabetes includes: • Fluoride & Impaired Glucose Tolerance • Fluoride & Insulin • Fluoride Sensitivity Among Diabetics • Fluoridated Water Causes Severe Dental Fluorosis in Children with Diabetes Insipidus • NRC (2006): Fluoride’s Effect on Glucose Metabolism The following discussion is from pages 258-260 of the NRC’s report’s “Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific

  • Fluoride & Insulin

    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is responsible for maintaining appropriate levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin allows the body’s cells to take up glucose from the blood, and either use it as an energy source or store it as glycogen. Blood glucose levels in diabetics

  • "Pre-Skeletal" Fluorosis

    As demonstrated by the studies below, skeletal fluorosis may produce adverse symptoms, including arthritic pains, clinical osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and bone fragility, before the classic bone change of fluorosis (i.e., osteosclerosis in the spine and pelvis) is detectable by x-ray. Relying on x-rays, therefore, to diagnosis skeletal fluorosis will invariably fail to protect those individuals who are suffering from the pre-skeletal phase of the disease. Moreover, some individuals with clinical skeletal fluorosis will not develop an increase in bone density, let alone osteosclerosis, of the spine. Thus, relying on unusual increases in spinal bone density will under-detect the rate of skeletal fluoride poisoning in a population.

  • Fluoridated Water Causes Severe Dental Fluorosis in Children with Diabetes Insipidus

    This section on Diabetes includes: • Fluoride & Impaired Glucose Tolerance • Fluoride & Insulin • Fluoride Sensitivity Among Diabetics • Fluoridated Water Causes Severe Dental Fluorosis in Children with Diabetes Insipidus • NRC (2006): Fluoride’s Effect on Glucose Metabolism Excessive exposure to fluoride causes a defect of the tooth enamel known as dental fluorosis. In

  • Fluoride & Impaired Glucose Tolerance

    The proper regulation of blood glucose levels is essential to good health. When the body's ability to regulate blood glucose levels falters, as occurs in diabetes mellitus, chronic elevated glucose levels (hyperglycemia) can lead to serious complications. These consequences include damage to the kidneys, nervous system, cardiovascular system, retina, legs