title: Defluoridation techniques implemented by the government of karnataka, india - the current situation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Karnataka is an Indian state which has regions with endemic fluorosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the various defluoridation techniques and units implemented by the Government of Karnataka, along with the cost of installation, maintenance and repair, to mitigate the problem of fluorosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information regarding the various defluoridation units was obtained from the Panchyath Raj Engineering office before they were visited. Local authorities and residents were interviewed regarding the reasons behind the success or failure of the units.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 100 reverse osmosis units installed, 77% are defunct, only one of the two state-of-the-art solar-based technique units is currently functioning but none of the activated alumina or Nalgonda technique units.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Defluoridation units suitable for Indian conditions and operation by unskilled villagers have yet to be developed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. drkiraniyer8@gmail.com
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Iyer
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Panchmal
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Shenoy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D060766:Drinking Water / Q000032:analysis*; D019353:Endemic Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005459:Fluorides / Q000032:analysis*; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000517:prevention & control; D006078:Government Programs; D060587:Groundwater / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008875:Middle Aged; D009995:Osmosis; D011891:Rain; D018508:Water Purification / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D060766:Drinking Water; D005459:Fluorides