Groundwater Fluoride Exposure and Potential Effects on Arizona Livestock

Abstract

Fluoride (F-) is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in surface and groundwater. It is present in water sources due to the erosion of F- containing rocks and soil found throughout the United States. While chronic, long-term F- exposure in livestock, particularly cattle, may lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, the risk to human health through meat consumption remains low, though uncertain due to limited previous research. Despite this limitation, previous work has demonstrated that chronic F- accumulation in cattle, primarily through water, feed, forage, and crops, is an important consideration for livestock health. Due to its widespread occurrence in groundwater through Arizona, continued research is needed to address knowledge gaps regarding F- accumulation in cattle and refine our knowledge of how to effectively diminish risks to maintain livestock health and well-being.