Skeletal fluorosis
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Skeletal fluorosis is an excessive accumulation of fluoride in bone associated with increased bone density and outgrowths (exostoses). Hypothyroidism may be present. Water fluoridation and other fluoride exposure sources uses may be counter-indicated in severe cases.
Skeletal fluorosis phases
| Osteosclerotic phase | Ash concentration (mgF/kg) | Symptoms and signs |
| Normal Bone | 500 to 1,000 | Normal |
| Preclinical Phase | 3,500 to 5,500 | Asymptomatic; slight radiographically-detectable increases in bone mass |
| Clinical Phase I | 6,000 to 7,000 | Sporadic pain; stiffness of joints; osteosclerosis of pelvis and vertebral spine |
| Clinical Phase II | 7,500 to 9,000 | Chronic joint pain; arthritic symptoms; slight calcification of ligaments' increased osteosclerosis and cancellous bones; with/without osteoporosis of long bones |
| Phase III: Crippling Fluorosis | 8,400 | Limitation of joint movement; calcification of ligaments of neck vertebral column; crippling deformities of the spine and major joints; muscle wasting; neurological defects/compression of spinal cord |
Source
U.S.P.H.S. "Review of Fluoride, Benefits and Risks", 1991 - adapted from: Smith & Hodge, 1979; Franke et al., 1975; Schlegal, 1974
External links
- http://www.fluoridation.com/skeletal.htm
- http://www.fluoridation.com/skeletal.htm#Table%201
- [1] (http://www.bruha.com/pfpc/html/symptoms.html) with the reference for Hypothyroidism in fluoride poisoning.