HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER FROM ARCAHAIE CITIES AND CABARET (HAITI)

Fluoride is an essential element in the human body whose drinking water is often the main source of supply. It is reported in the literature that prolonged excessive intake of fluoride has been associated with fluorosis, a degenerative and progressive, which adversely affects several organs. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the threshold value of fluoride in drinking water at 1.5 mg/L. Previous studies have revealed fluoride concentrations above 1.5 mg/L in groundwater resources in alluvial aquifers of Cabaret and Arcahaie. The aim of this study was to assess human health risks generated by exposure to high fluoride concentrations in drinking water from these aquifers. Major risks of fluorosis, particularly for children, were characterised. In order to assess and control the prevalence of fluorosis and / or dental caries, it seems important in the future to develop a monitoring system on the groundwater quality from the different geological formation of that region, associated with epidemiological studies.