Industrial toxins: Industrial fluoride Dr. Bergfelt

Question 1

use of industrial fluoride

Answer 1

Sodium fluoride and sodium fluorosilicate are highly
toxic and no longer used as insecticides in the US
(sodium fluoride is only used for wood treatment)
› Sodium fluoroaluminate (Cryolite), which has a very
low solubility and toxicity, is used as a pesticide
› Hydrofluoric acid is an industrial toxicant

Question 2

source of fluoride exposure

Answer 2

Fluoride is a normal constituent of forages
(especially legumes) and plants that grow in
fluoride rich soil
› Herbaceous parts of plants accumulate large amounts
but not seeds

Question 3

properties of fluoride

Answer 3

strong affinity for calcium

Question 4

toxicity of fluoride

Answer 4

Acute fluoride toxicosis is not common
› Chronic fluoride toxicosis (fluorosis) is the most
common
› Chronic fluoride toxicosis is mainly seen in
herbivores, especially dairy cattle
› Toxic levels for most large animals are 40-60 ppm

Question 5

factor that influence chronic fluoride toxicity

Answer 5

Type and solubility of fluoride
› Soluble sodium fluoride (NaF) is more toxic than
calcium fluoride (CaF2)
› Age
› Young animals more sensitive

Question 6

MoA of fluoride

Answer 6

Acute:
Caustic effect on GI mucosa
Inhibition of many mitochondrial enzymes (inhibition of
cellular respiration and energy) – hypoxia/cellular
death
Chronic:
Brown or black discoloration of the defective enamel due
to oxidation of organic material in the teeth

Question 7

CS of acute toxicosis

Answer 7

Rapid onset (within 30 mins)
› Gastroenteritis which may be hemorrhagic, excessive
salivation, vomiting
› Urination and defecation
› CNS stimulation and clonic convulsive seizures
› Stiffness and weakness
›Weight loss and decreased milk production
› Death from respiratory and cardiac failure

Question 8

CS of chronic toxicosis

Answer 8

Slow onset of action (6-12 mo)
› Intermittent lameness, painful stiff gait
› Bony protrusions may be seen or felt on the legs
(exostoses)
› Spontaneous fractures may occur (osteoporosis)
› Teeth have mottling and patchy loss of dentine
› Brown color around eroded areas in teeth
› Anorexia, emaciation, rough haircoat, reduced milk
production and reproduction