Fluoride content in the hair in dependence of place of residence, sex, dietary habits and anthropometric data

Fluoride (F^-) is the most reactive ion present in the human environment. It is commonly known to occur in bones and teeth, and it is used in the prevention of caries. If supplied in excess, fluoride has a toxic effect. In extreme cases, fluoride intoxication may lead to serious illnesses such as the fluorosis of teeth and bones. The aim of the study was to analyse correlations between the content of F^- in hair and environmental factors, nutritional habits and anthropometric data of men and women from various regions of Poland. The level of fluoride was measured in the hair samples from n=565 people (n=273 women and n=292 men, 16.9 to 73.2 years old) using the potentiometric method and an ion-selective electrode. The researchers carried out surveys regarding the personal characteristics of the participants and their nutritional habits. In our study, we demonstrated that despite the use of filters and devices that limit the entry of pollutants into the environment, 15% of the volunteers taking part in our study manifested fluoride values at the same level as employees of an aluminium factory who were exposed to this element due to their place of work. 68% of the examined persons belonged to the category classified as having a moderately increased level of fluoride accumulated in hair. Factors such as the gender, size of the village/town and anthropometric conditions did not significantly influence the level of fluoride in hair, unlike the location of one’s residence.