Abstract

[Objective] To explore the relationship between fluoride concentration in drinking water and osteoarthritis in populations to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of endemic skeletal fluorosis.

[Methods] From 2003 to 2004, we investigated the occurrence of osteoarthritis in middle-aged and elderly persons over the age of 50 permanently residing in fluorosis-afflicted regions of Gaomi City, where fluoride concentration in drinking water ranged between 0.25 and 7.97 mg/L.

[Results] A total of 7,876 persons were investigated; the frequency of occurrence of arthritic symptoms within the most recent one month for the regions with higher fluoride concentration in drinking water was higher than that for the regions with lower fluoride concentration in drinking water; the incidence of rigidity of joints (knee, hip and vertebra) after waking up in the morning was 50.96%, and the incidence of pain in knee joints, hip joints and vertebra within the most recent one month was 49.23%; these indicators are all higher for the population with higher fluoride concentration in drinking water than those for the population with lower fluoride concentration in drinking water.

[Conclusions] Excessive intake of fluoride may lead to a higher incidence of osteoarthritis in populations, and the populations’ response to osteoarthritis should be regarded as an important indication in the study of endemic fluorosis.