Impact of Indoor Air Fluoride and Arsenic Pollution on Children Health in Countryside,Southern Shaanxi Province / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the situation of indoor air fluoride and arsenic pollution caused by coal-burning and the impact of the pollution on children health in the rural area,southern Shaanxi Province.Method 77 fluoride samples and 186 arsenic samples were collected in 65 investigated villages of 5 counties in southern Shaanxi Province.13 120 children aged 8-12 years were selected for dental fluorosis examination,13 386 children aged 6-18 years for arsenism examination.Results Both of the average content of fluoride and arsenic in the indoor air exceeded the national standard limit.Fluorine content was 0.001-0.541 mg/m3 with an average of 0.038 4 mg/m3,arsenic content was 0.00-63.83 ?g/m3 with an average of 4.76 ?g/m3.The prevalence rates of dental fluorosis and arsenism were 45.50% and 1.86% respectively.Conclusion The indoor air fluoride and arsenic pollution caused by coal-burning in the investigated rural area is serious and the pollution has caused the prevalence of endemic fluorosis and endemic arsenism among the local children.