Fluorine being a cumulative bone-seeking mineral, the resultant skeletal changes are progressive. Since the effect of fluorine is cumulative, the less serious consequences occur early in the natural course of the disease. Pain is a cardinal feature due to arthritic lesions and to secondary peripheral nerve involvement.
Fluorine entering the body rapidly moves to the hard tissues.
A fraction of the ingested fluorine is excreted daily. Waldbott described human fluorosis in the neighborhood of an Ohio enamel factory affecting 23 persons and dogs in the neighborhood. The symptoms were indicative of the preskeletal phase.