Fluoride levels in drinking water in the Central Province of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to assess the fluoride levels in drinking water in the Central Province of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A total of 817 water samples were collected from 260 locations in Central Saudi Arabia. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer HACH instrument, model DR 3000 was used in the analyses of water samples for fluoride levels. Results: The results showed that fluoride levels vary between 0.00 and 6.20 ppm. About 75% and 6% of the population in Riyadh and Qassim regions, respectively, were exposed to very low fluoride levels (0.00-0.03 ppm), while less than 3% of the population in both regions were exposed to fluoride levels ranging from 0.61 to 0.80 ppm. A higher percentage of the population in Qassim than Riyadh region were exposed to high fluoride levels (>0.81 ppm); 28.63% than in Riyadh with 9.24%. Conclusion: The findings of this study can serve as a baseline data for water fluoridation and other dental preventive programs in the area.