An evaluation of the effectiveness of prevention and control measures on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in the 11 historic mild illness counties in Guizhou Province

Objective To evaluate the effects of prevention and control measures on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in the 11 historic mild illness counties of Guizhou Province and to provide a basis for further prevention and control of the disease. Methods In 2014, the resident households life behavior related to health was investigated in 11 counties. At the same time, according to the "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis (WS/T 208-2011)", dental fluorosis of all children aged 8-12 was examined in the 11 counties' historic diseased areas. Results were determined using the standards for "Control Criteria for Endemic Fluorosis Areas" and "Elimination of Coal-burning-borne Endemic Fluorosis". Results A total of 1 449 villages of 11 counties were investigated. The detection rate of dental fluorosis of children aged 8-12 was ≤15% in each county. The qualified rate of improved stoves, the correct usage rate of qualified stoves, and the correct drying rate of chili were all > 95%. All households no longer took corn as staple food. In administrative villages, the prevalence of dental fluorosis of children aged 8-12 was 15% or less in all the villages with the exception of 32 villages of Pingba County; the qualified rate of improved stoves, qualified stoves correct usage, dry chili correct rate of all vallages were higher than 95%, except the 15 villages of Pingba County. Conclusions The effects of comprehensive control measures on coal-burning-borne endemic fluorosis in the 11 historic mild illness counties in Guizhou are good. Besides Pingba County, other counties have reached elimination standards. In the future, a comprehensive assessment should be done in areas which has already reached control or elimination standards. At the same time, in areas at risk of fluorine pollution, risk assessment should be carried out to find countermeasures. Key words: Fluoride poisoning; Coal; Prevention and control; Outcome evaluation