National Fluorosis Day and Fluorosis Control in India

#GS-2 #Governance & Social Justice #Health #National #NPPCF #Jal Jeevan Mission

Key takeaways

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare held a national workshop on National Fluorosis Day on 9th September to strengthen the NPPCF scheme.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the safe fluoride limit in drinking water between 1-1.5 mg/L.
India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) during the 11th Five Year Plan.
The Jal Jeevan Mission complements these efforts by delivering clean drinking water to prevent fluoride exposure.

The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare organized a National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on Fluorosis on National Fluorosis Day on 9th September.
This workshop focused on strengthening prevention, early detection, management, and control of fluorosis under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).

Fluorosis is a health condition caused by drinking water containing high fluoride levels over a long period.
Small amounts of fluoride help prevent dental caries, but high exposure over time damages teeth, bones, and joints.

People mainly consume excess fluoride through fluoride-rich groundwater, especially in regions with high natural fluoride deposits.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the safe fluoride concentration in drinking water is 1-1.5 mg/L.
Consuming water with fluoride levels above this limit creates serious health risks.

India launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) during the 11th Five Year Plan to improve surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment.
The Jal Jeevan Mission also helps reduce fluoride exposure by supplying clean piped drinking water to rural households.