Investigation on children’s growth and development under long-term fluoride exposure

Abstract

Objective

To study the influence on children’s growth by long-term high fluoride exposure.

Methods

Case group was selected in high fluoride areas and control group was selected in non-high fluoride areas. The difference of children’s growth levels were analyzed between 2 groups.

Results

The IQ of case group was significantly lower than that of control group (t = 2.621, P<0.01) and it was negatively correlative with the concentration of children’s urinary fluoride in a certain extent (r = -0.119, P<0.05). Children’s heights and weights of case group were significantly lower than those of control group (t = 2.621, P<0.01 u = 3.515 P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Long-term fluoride exposure can affect children’s growth and development. In order to protect children’s health measures of prevention and treatment should be adopted.