Flouride in Illinois: Sources, Environmental Health Effects, and a Proposed Ambient Standard

Buckler, Dee M.; Brigham, Warren U.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/110364 Copy

Description

Title

Flouride in Illinois: Sources, Environmental Health Effects, and a Proposed Ambient Standard

Author(s)

• Buckler, Dee M.
• Brigham, Warren U.

Issue Date

1982-01

Keyword(s)

• Flouride
• Pollution
• Environmental health
• Environmental quality standards

Abstract

Three natural sources (soil, water, and volcanoes and fumeroles) and eight man-made sources (iron and steel manufacturing, phosphate fertilizer production, combustion of coal, cement production, hydrogen fluoride production, glass manufacturing, wet phosphoric acid manufacturing, and fluoridation of water) are identified as sources of fluoride to the atmosphere. The total annual contribution to the atmosphere by Illinois man-made sources (excluding glass and wet phosphoric acid manufacturing and fluoridation of water [no data avaialable]) equals approximately 2.51 x 10^4 kg (2,535 tons). The effects of fluorides upon plants, wildlife, insects, and domestic animals are discussed in detail. A separate section on the health effect of fluoride considers pathways by which fluoride enters the body and considers the deleterious effects of these fluorides. Little information exists regarding the biochemical pathways of these fluorides. The strong affinity of the fluoride ion for calcium and phosphorus accounts for its deposition in bones and teeth. A similar affinity to many metals, for example magnesium and manganese, produces interference with some enzyme systems. In lieu of more specific data regarding the effects of fluoride upon organs and organ systems, this report discusses gross effects upon bone; teeth; blood, arteries, and heart; kidneys; enzymes, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract; thyroid and parathyroid glands; and, the central nervous system. Total daily intake of fluoride from all sources is estimated by us to be from 3.5 mg to 5.5 mg per person per day. This range agrees with most published studies. A primary air quality standard for fluoride (to protect the public health) cannot be determined given the available information. However, a secondary standard for fluoride (to protect the public welfare) can be established. A standard of 0.4 ug m~3 fluoride (30-day averaging time) is proposed as an ambient secondary air quality standard for fluoride. This standard will limit fluoride intake by man via respiratory pathways to approximately 0.2% of the average individual total daily uptake. In addition to protecting the public welfare, this level appears attainable using available emission control technology.

Publisher

Illinois Natural History Survey

Series/Report Name or Number

Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources Document no. 82/01

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/110364

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources, Project no. 10.086

Copyright and License Information

This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

Owning Collections