Fluoride Exposure Effects in Animal Populations
Summary
Fluoride is ubiquitous in the environment, entering animal systems through water, soil, feed and air. At optimal levels it supports skeletal and dental health, but chronic excessive exposure disrupts mineral metabolism, leading to a spectrum of adverse effects across taxa. Dental fluorosis manifests as hypomineralised enamel that discolours and wears prematurely, whereas osteofluorosis involves aberrant bone deposition, pain and reduced mobility. Developmental stages are particularly vulnerable: enamel-forming cells become impaired, resulting in defects such as enamel hypoplasia, and skeletal growth plates may thicken abnormally. Subclinical exposures can also impair neurobehavioural function and reproductive performance. Species differences in fluoride uptake and elimination, driven by diet, habitat and physiology, underpin variable susceptibility. Industrial emissions, agricultural runoff and naturally high-fluoride aquifers constitute primary sources of contamination. Wild mammals foraging near point sources often exhibit elevated bone fluoride concentrations, and livestock in endemic regions suffer reduced productivity and mineral imbalances. Integrated approaches, combining environmental monitoring, dietary modification and targeted supplementation, are increasingly advocated to mitigate fluoride risks and safeguard animal health in both wild and agricultural settings.
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Fluoride Exposure Effects in Animal Populations publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fluoride exposure effects in animal populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fluorosis: Chronic condition from excessive fluoride accumulation causing tissue toxicity.
Dental fluorosis: Hypomineralisation of tooth enamel due to high fluoride exposure during enamel formation.
Osteofluorosis: Skeletal disorder marked by abnormal bone growth and density resulting from prolonged fluoride intake.
Enamel hypoplasia: Developmental defect characterised by reduced enamel thickness and surface pitting.
Hypomineralisation: Insufficient deposition of mineral salts within enamel or bone, leading to weakened structure.
References
- Developmental and Post-Eruptive Defects in Molar Enamel of Free-Ranging Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) Exposed to High Environmental Levels of Fluoride. PLOS ONE (2016).
- Osteofluorosis in free ranging California sea lions (Zalophus californianus). Frontiers in Marine Science (2023).
- Severe Enamel Defects in Wild Japanese Macaques. International Journal of Zoology (2024).
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