The physical and chemical characteristics of particles in indoor air where high fluoride coal burning takes place.
In China, more than 10 million people suffer from fluorosis caused by the burning of high fluoride coal. Analysis of the particulate matters of indoor air from these fluorosis areas reveals a logarithmic distribution of particle sizes. The levels of F- and SO4(2-) adsorbed or absorbed on the particles ranged from 16.27 to 46.18 micrograms/m3 and from 244.7 to 374.6 micrograms/m3, respectively. Gaseous and soluble fluorides constituted a considerable proportion of the inorganic fluorides. Nevertheless, the level of F- in air was considered to be inadequate to cause the observed severity of fluorosis. It is speculated that additional intake of F- from contaminated foods might also be a major factor contributing to the fluorosis. Additionally, some volatile elements (e.g., sulfur and its derivatives) might have some relation to fluorosis of this type.
Gu
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SL
Institute of Environmental Health and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Beijing.
Ji
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RD
Cao
S R
SR
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D000838:Anions; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid; D003031:Coal; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012906:Smoke
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000838:Anions; D003031:Coal; D012906:Smoke; D005459:Fluorides