Concentration, distribution and probabilistic health risk assessment of exposure to fluoride in drinking water of Hormozgan province, Iran

Herein, the health risk assessment of exposure to fluoride in drinking water of southern province of Iran was performed with a definite and probabilistic approach. The Monte-Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis were used to explain the impact of risk and uncertainty upon estimations. The results indicated that fluoride concentration was in the range of 0.1–0.9 mg/L with an average of 0.454 ± 0.205 mg/L, and distribution function followed the normality. Moreover, the highest fluoride concentration was observed in the central and northern regions of the province. In the definitive method, hazard quotient (HQ) associated with fluoride in drinking water were lower than 1 (HQ < 1). Conducting Monte-Carlo simulation illustrated that the potential non-carcinogenic risk for children in the 95th percentile exceeded the safe limit of 1, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic in this age group. Sensitivity analysis showed that fluoride concentration and water consumption rate had the most effect in the model. Therefore, consumption of water and foods containing fluoride along with excessive consumption of tea could increase the risk for human health. The results suggested that a continuous monitoring of fluoride in water resources besides proper dietary regime for inhabitants of this province should be taken into consideration.