INDIA: Death lurks in 'fluorosis'-crippled village

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INDIA: Death lurks in 'fluorosis'-crippled village

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Death lurks in Jharkhand's 'fluorosis'-crippled village

Business Standard - June 19, 2016

Several people are suffering from skeletal Fluorosis in Pratappur village in Jharkhand's Garhwa district, due to the presence of Fluoride in water.

Skeletal Fluorosis is a bone disease caused by excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones. In advanced cases, skeletal fluorosis causes pain and damage to bones and joints.

Due to this toxic substance in water, almost 10-15 people die in the village every year.

The villagers complained that they have nowhere to go to fetch water and the government has failed to make alternative arrangements.

"The government is not doing anything. The water enters our body and it deforms the shapes of our bodies. At least 10-15 people are dying here every year. The children are dying and they are becoming handicapped," said one of the villagers.

As per reports, the level of Fluoride in Pratappur is 3.5 mg/litre much higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) norm of 1.5 mg/litre.

"We will provide ten de-fluoride attachments in the tube well, to save the people of the villages. We will provide it as part of the pilot project. If it becomes successful, we will put more attachments in the future," said executive engineer Ashok Kumar.

The list of the victims is endless and grows while the villagers await justice and aid from the government.

SOURCE:
http://www.business-standard.com/articl ... 173_1.html
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