HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF FLUORIDE CONTENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTS AND ITS IMPACT ON CHILDREN'S HEALTH IN THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
Authors:   AL-FARABI KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, Egamnazarov Khuseyn 
Published: July 2024

The importance of fluoride for human health, particularly in dental caries prevention and bone growth, is well-recognized, yet its optimal balance is crucial to avoid adverse effects like dental and skeletal fluorosis. In Tajikistan, misconceptions exist about high fluoride levels in drinking water; however, recent studies reveal a widespread deficiency, except near industrial areas like the Tajik Aluminum Plant in Tursunzade city, where fluoride exposure risks are heightened. This research aims to assess fluoride's environmental impact and its effects on children's health across Tajikistan, focusing on the Bohtar region and Tursunzade city, to inform public health policy and interventions. The study aims to assess the impact of environmental fluoride exposure on children's health in Tajikistan by analyzing fluoride levels in water, air, and food, and their relation to dental health outcomes. For our study on fluoride's impact on children's health in Tajikistan, we employed a multifaceted research methodology. The investigation included collecting and analyzing samples from various environmental sources—water, air, and food—in different regions, with a focus on the Bohtar region and the city of Tursunzade. Water samples were tested for fluoride content using ion-selective electrode analysis, while air and food samples were analyzed for fluoride concentration through spectrophotometric methods. Health assessments, including dental examinations of children aged 6-12 years, were conducted to identify dental caries and fluorosis, correlating these findings with fluoride exposure levels. The study also reviewed the sanitary and hygienic state of water supply systems. Data analysis incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including statistical analysis to determine the correlation between fluoride exposure and health outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of fluoride's effects on children's health within the studied areas. For our study on fluoride's impact on children's health in Tajikistan, we employed a multifaceted research methodology. The investigation included collecting and analyzing samples from various environmental sources—water, air, and food—in different regions, with a focus on the Bohtar region and the city of Tursunzade. Water samples were tested for fluoride content using ion-selective electrode analysis, while air and food samples were analyzed for fluoride concentration through spectrophotometric methods. Health assessments, including dental examinations of children aged 6-12 years, were conducted to identify dental caries and fluorosis, correlating these findings with fluoride exposure levels. The study also reviewed the sanitary and hygienic state of water supply systems. Data analysis incorporated both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including statistical analysis to determine the correlation between fluoride exposure and health outcomes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of fluoride's effects on children's health within the studied areas. This study highlights the necessity of balancing fluoride levels in drinking water to protect child dental health in Tajikistan. It calls for targeted fluoride management strategies tailored to regional needs, emphasizing the importance of public health interventions, system improvements, and awareness campaigns to prevent dental issues and enhance children's health.