Karnataka fourth highest in the country for fluoride affected habitations

Highlights:

• Rajasthan tops the list with 5,143.
• Karnataka has 365 fluoride affected habitations.

BENGALURU: In Chitradurga due to the consumption of excess fluoride content in the water, a 29-year-old, accounts manager along with his family members has been permanently stained with brown teeth. He has dental fluorosis and is also a potential case for skeletal fluorosis.

As per the data that has been released by the central ministry of drinking water and sanitation revealed that, Karnataka has 365 fluoride affected habitations, which is the most in south india and the fourth highest in the country. Rajasthan tops the list with 5,143 affected habitations, followed by West Bengal (1,263) and Bihar (781).

Consuming water which is comprised of more than 1.5 mg per litre fluoride concentration above 1.5 mg per litre can cause dental fluorosis. If the concentration is higher, it can lead to skeletal fluorosis which can render people physically handicapped.

Data from the health department shows over 6.2 lakh people suffer from fluorosis in Karnataka.

NJ Devaraj Reddy, geologist and rain water harvesting expert, Geo Rain Water Board, Chitradurga, has said that, “A geographical issue which has worsened with rampant borewell digging is now a public health hazard. Youngsters suffering from dental fluorosis are unable to get married. They may be educated and earning well, but command no place in the marriage market. Cases like this are only increasing in Chitradurga, Ballari and Gadag districts.”

“Fluoride has penetrated everywhere, during our research in 2016-17 in Pavagada, Tumakuru, we found that the chemical was present even in breast milk,” he added.

A Subbaraj, regional director, Central Ground Water Board, said, “Micro irrigation adaptation can prevent use of fluoride contaminated water.”