Health risk assessment in children living in an urban area with hydrofluorosis: San Luis Potosi Mexico case study.

BACKGROUND: Fluoride is an inorganic element, which can be found in high concentrations in groundwater. Its consumption and exposure have consequences on human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate fluoride exposure and develop a health risk assessment in children from an urban area with hydrofluorosis in Mexico. METHODS: Water fluoride levels in active wells were provided by the Water State Agency and divided into three zones: agriculture zone (Zone A), metallurgical zone (Zone B), and industrial zone (Zone C). Urinary fluoride levels were determined by potentiometric method using an ion-selective electrode. Health risk assessment was performed through Monte Carlo model analysis and hazard quotient was calculated. RESULTS: According to fluoride well concentration, all zones have high concentration especially Zone B (2.55 +/- 0.98 mg/L). Urinary fluoride concentrations were highest in children in Zone B (1.42 +/- 0.8 mg/L). The estimated median daily intake dose of fluoride was 0.084 mg/Kg-day for the children living in zone B. The highest mean HQ value was to Zone B (1.400 +/- 0.980), followed by Zone C (0.626 +/- 0.443). CONCLUSION: The levels of fluoride exposure registered are a potential risk to generate adverse health effects in children in the San Luis Potosi metropolitan area.