title: Hair as biomarker of fluoride exposure in a fluoride endemic area and a low fluoridated area.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to determine whether hair could be used as biomarker of fluoride exposure.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out on 30 people living in an endemically fluoridated area and a low fluoridated area. Samples of hair from the occipital were taken and subjected to fluoride analysis by a fluoride ion electrode.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Lower fluoride levels in water supplies correlated with lower levels of fluoride in hair and more over higher fluoride levels in water correlated with higher levels of fluoride in hair. A direct relationship was evident between fluoride levels in water supplies and concentration of fluoride in hair (P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of the present study indicate hair can be used as an indicator of fluoride exposure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, St. Joseph Dental College, Eluru, India.
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Parimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sibar Dental College, Guntur, India.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Viswanath
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Bina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kashyap
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sibar Dental College, Guntur, India.
authors.forename: Pavan Uday
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Patil
keywords: Biomarkers; fluoride biomarkers; hair