A map of natural fluoride in drinking water in Pakistan.
OBJECTIVE
The assessment of fluoride levels in domestic water supplies in Pakistan.


METHODS
Water samples were collected from sources supplying the majority of the population: taps in places where piped water supply was available, tube-wells, boreholes and wells in rural areas, and stream water where appropriate.


RESULTS
Analysis of 987 water supplies showed that they are predominantly low in fluoride content, 84% containing less than 0.7ppm of fluoride.


CONCLUSIONS
For the majority of the population in Pakistan there is a clear indication for use of alternate sources of fluoride to ensure optimal intake necessary for the control of dental caries.
Ayyaz
Ali Khan
AK
Shaikh Zayed Federal Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore, Pakistan. ayyazk@brain.net.pk
Whelton
Helen
H
O'Mullane
Denis
D
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010154:Pakistan; D012424:Rural Population; D014505:Urban Population; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D008903:Minerals; D005459:Fluorides