Fluoride in Drinking-water

Book excerpt: Fluoride is known to occur at elevated concentration in a number of parts of the world, where it can be a significant cause of disease. The primary focus of this book is the prevention of adverse health effects from excessive levels of fluoride in drinking water. The book fills the urgent need, identified for updating the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, for information on the occurrence of fluoride, its health effects, ways of reducing excess levels, and methods for analysis of fluoride in water. The draft document, produced by a working group of experts convened to consider protection from fluoride and its control, was issued for extensive review and consultation. The resultant book, which incorporates the comments received, was further peer reviewed by experts in developed and developing countries. It is aimed at a wide range of individuals, including health workers and sanitary engineers who may require a broad introduction to the subject with more detailed guidance in some specific areas. Fluoride in Drinking-waterwill be an invaluable reference source for all those concerned with the management of drinking water containing fluoride and the health effects arising from its consumption, including water sector managers and practitioners, as well as health sector staff at policy and implementation levels. It will also be of interest to researchers, students, development workers, and consultants.