Fluoride

Fluoride poisoning through chronic exposure to fluoride and its inorganic compounds is generally associated with industry. The effects of fluoride overexposure are generally manifested initially in mucous membrane irritation. Increased intensity of the exposure may produce respiratory distress, neurological abnormalities, gastrointestinal pain, and muscular fibrillation. Prolonged exposure over years can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a crippling disease. Acute exposure is more commonly the result of the ingestion of fluorides and is manifested by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, tetanic contractions, coma, and death.¹ Fluoride and its inorganic compounds are widely employed in industry, including glass manufacture and in the aluminum, steel, and fertilizer industries. Fluoride compounds are also employed as insecticides, rodenticides, and delousing powders. In an organic state, fluoride is an essential mineral in man required for bone calcification processes. Overexposure is generally attributed to occupational causes, which are typically of a chronic nature. Acute exposure is more commonly the result of the ingestion of fluorides.