Fluoride Poisoning in Sonbhadra

• 05 Mar 2025

Why in News?  

High levels of fluoride pollution have been found in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.  

 Key Points  

• About: 
  • More than two lakh people of 276 villages of Sonbhadra district are affected by drinking fluoride-contaminated water. 
    • The fluoride level in groundwater of villages in Kon, Bhabni, Myorpur and Duddhi blocks has been found to be 5-6 times more than the prescribed standard. 
• Adverse effects on health: 
  • Due to fluoride contamination, people's bones are becoming weak and crooked, children are being born disabled and a large number of elderly people are becoming unable to walk . 
• Order of NGT: 
  • Despite the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), people are forced to drink fluoride-contaminated water. 
  • It was not implemented effectively by the local administration and concerned departments . 

Fluoride  

• About  
  • Fluoride is a widely occurring, non-biodegradable and long-term pollutant. It is produced by burning coal bricks. Fluoride is naturally found in minerals as well as in soil, water and air. 
• Toxicity:  
  • It is highly toxic. The World Health Organization recommends an upper limit of fluoride in drinking water of 1.5 mg/liter. 
• Effects of Fluoride: 
  • When consumed in adequate amounts, fluoride prevents tooth decay, aids in the formation of tooth enamel, and prevents the loss of bone mineralization but in high amounts it has a negative effect on bones and joints, and also causes fluorosis in teeth. 
  • Fluoride pollution also has negative effects on wildlife.