[An investigation of fluoride pollution caused by burning coal containing fluoride in Xiushan and Baojing].

This paper reports an investigation of contents of soluble fluoride in the environment and foods in Xiushan and Baojing. On the basis of measuring concentrations of soluble fluoride in drinking water, soil, coal, air, fly ash, maize, chilli, and other kinds of vegetables, it is first to expand the pathway of fluoride migrating from coal into human body is through pollution of air by fluoride contained in fly ash on burning of coal, and then via consumption of polluted maize by air. The significant correlation between both the concentrations of fluoride in maize and in fly ash is proved. It is suggested to select the concentration of fluoride in fly ash or in air as the quality index of indoor air and the control target to prevent fluorosis.