Health risk in children to fluoride exposure in a typical endemic fluorosis area on Loess Plateau, north China, in the last decade

Excessive and inadequate intake of fluoride may cause adverse effects in children, such as dental caries and dental fluorosis. This study reports the results of monitoring fluoride concentrations in drinking water from an endemic fluorosis region during the ten-year period (2008 through 2017). The fluoride concentration had a range of 0.03–9.42 mg L−1 (mean = 0.55 ± 0.01 mg L−1). Approximately 10%, 1.3% and 0.06% children are at risk for dental decay, dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis, respectively. Probabilistic risks for children were assessed and the fluoride endemic areas were marked by GIS mapping system. On several water consumption points, the hazard quotient (HQ) values for children were higher than 1, indicating potential non-cancer health risks due to fluoride exposure. The results of this study will help governmental agencies to develop better policies for protecting children from exposure to fluoride. [Display omitted] •Fluoride concentrations were 0.55 mg L−1 in 3427 water consumption points in Shanxi Province.•Health risks were assessed for children consumers regarding fluoride exposure.•Approximately 10%, 1.3% and 0.06% children are at risk for dental decay, dental and skeletal fluorosis, respectively.•The fluoride concentrations were being decreased significantly from 2008 to 2017.•The fluoride endemic areas were marked by GIS mapping system.