我国地方性氟病的地球化学问题

Endemic fluorine disease is a chronic fluorine poisoning caused by high level of fluorine in drinking water or foods. Incidence of this disease has been knowu in many parts of the world. In China its occurrence has been observed in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and some other localities. Investigation shows that it is closely related to geochemical environment: Major fluorine sources in nature include fluorinerich volcanic rocks, calcareous dolomites, phosphorus-bearing rocks/loess and Quarternary loose sediments. Under special conditions fluorine is concentrated in ground water or soil and seeks its way into human body through diet. Areas With high fluorine concentration responsible for the fluorine disease can be classified into four types, depending on characteristics of geochemical environment: (1) Arid and semiarid calcium-rich soda saline areas; (2) Semiarid, alternatively marine-terrestrial strata with a high degree of salinity; (3) Semihumid iron- and aluminum-rich intermediate-acid soils; (4) Localities where fluorine-rich rocks or deposits are developed;and those with high fluorine content as a result of industrial pollution. Based on medical statistics and chemical analyses, of water, soil, food and other related samplcs,this work will provide a scientific baekground for the prevention and control of fluorine disease.