Abstract

HERNANDEZ-GUERRERO, Juan Carlos et al. FLUORIDE LEVELS IN MÉXICO CITY'S WATER SUPPLIES. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2005, vol.21, n.1, pp.17-22. ISSN 0188-4999.

The purpose of this study was to assess the fluoride concentration in water supplies of México City. Since Lerma-Cutzamala and Acuífero del Valle de México Water Supply Systems distribute water to the México City's Metropolitan Area (MCMA) we have analyzed their water fluoride concentration using 44 different sampling wells from the four geographical zones of the MCMA during 2002. The water sampling was monthly made during one year. All collected data showed a mean fluoride concentration of 0.70 ± 0.20 mg/L. Our results showed minor variability of fluoride concentrations in the water available in México City. The fluoride content of the different analyzed zones showed statistical differences. Although Mexican Health authorities have defined that fluoride concentration in water should be from 0.70 to 1.50 mg/L, cases of dental fluorosis have been reported in México City (Juárez-López et al. 2003). It is important to have a reliable evaluation of fluoride concentration in México City's natural water supplies prior to implementing any caries-prevention program and to avoid novel cases of dental fluorosis.

Keywords : caries; fluoride; prevention; fluoridated water; water supplies.

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