Fluorosis (dental and skeletal) is caused by an excessive concentration of fluoride ions in drinking water.
Chemical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AMercury
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BLead
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CFluoride
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DArsenic
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EIron
Answer
Correct Answer: Fluoride
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Fluorosis is a public health issue arising from prolonged ingestion of high levels of fluoride in drinking water. It affects teeth (dental fluorosis) and bones (skeletal fluorosis).
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Problem concerns the specific contaminant responsible for fluorosis.
- Other heavy metals cause different toxicities.
Concept / Approach:Associate each contaminant with its characteristic health effect and identify which one uniquely causes fluorosis.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Define fluorosis: mottling of enamel, joint pain, bone deformities at higher exposure.2) Link cause: chronic intake of excess fluoride (above guideline levels).3) Conclude contaminant: fluoride ions in drinking water.Verification / Alternative check:Public health guidelines set fluoride limits; areas with geogenic fluoride show higher fluorosis prevalence.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mercury: neurotoxicity, kidney damage; not fluorosis.Lead: neurodevelopmental toxicity; anemia; not fluorosis.Arsenic: skin lesions, cancers; not fluorosis.Iron: aesthetic/operational issues (staining); not fluorosis.Common Pitfalls:Confusing fluoride with arsenic issues; assuming any heavy metal causes fluorosis; ignoring exposure duration.
Final Answer:Fluoride