Chairman, PCSIR Dr Anwar-ul-Haq told APP on Sunday that a team of senior scientists of PCSIR Peshawar Laboratories Complex conducted a comprehensive survey of the affected area to find out the root cause of this disease. It was found that the age group of 20 to 25 years includes the serious victim.
The scientists also observed that tooth decay starts at the age of 12 and continuous process of rapid change in denture colour caused total loss of teeth by the age of 20.
He said chemical evaluation of water samples revealed that fluoride concentrations were as high as 20-25 mg/l whereas WHO permissible limit 1.5 mg/l thus fluoride concentration was 13-16 time higher than the threshold limit.
Chairman said it may be noted the excessive amount of fluoride is associated with tooth decay.
The source of water for inhabitants has been only potable water. The source of this pollutant is still unknown and yet to be traced, geological activity could be possible reason. Dr Anwar dynamic PCSIR scientists are working on development of water treatment method for reduction of fluoride content in the potable water of the area.