The significant mining of fluorspar in Mexico is evidence of the presence of fluoride in the Mexican subsoil. Therefore, the appearance of endemic fluorosis in some areas of our country may be a consequence of the contamination of aquifers by fluorspar deposits. In endemic areas, fluoride levels in drinking water are higher than the Mexican guideline of 1.5 mg/L in both urban and rural locations. Furthermore, health risk effects related to fluoride exposure have been identified in at least two states. Nevertheless, endemic fluorosis is still an essentially unrecognized environmental health problem in Mexico, although it is affecting around five million people. Some improvements have been obtained by the introduction of educational programs and by the emerging of research programs in some universities. However, more work is needed in order to reduce the prevalent risks.
