Effect of environmental fluorides on key biochemical processes in humans.

Several biochemical parameters connected with energy metabolism were studied in the inhabitants living in the neighbourhood of the Aluminium Smelter and in inhabitants of Chorzów, one of the most polluted towns in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, chronically exposed to environmental fluorides and other toxic compounds. In people exposed to environmental fluorides excessive excretion of fluorides in urine was noted. This effect was connected with a decrease in urine and erythrocyte magnesium concentrations. Among several biochemical parameters an increase in blood glucose and lactate levels were found, leading to a decrease in blood ATP level. Supplementation of magnesium salts in inhabitants of Skawina caused a normalization of urine magnesium concentration, blood glucose and lactate levels, and increased blood ATP level, but did not diminish fluoride excretion in urine.