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.