Pak: 52pc of Quetta's drinking water found unfit for drinking
High Fluoride Levels in Quetta's Water Pose Health Risks
Study Conducted by Taimoor Shah Durrani
A recent study has revealed that 52% of the drinking water in Quetta, Pakistan, contains dangerously high levels of fluoride. This research was led by Taimoor Shah Durrani, a PhD scholar at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences. Durrani collected water samples from over 100 tubewells in densely populated areas between 2022 and 2024.
Alarming Findings
The study found that in 27% of the areas in northwest and central Quetta, fluoride levels reached up to 3.4 mg, far exceeding the World Health Organization's recommended safe limit of 0.5 to 1.52 mg per liter. Areas with the highest fluoride levels include Sariab, Double Road Mian Ghandi, and Nohisar.
Health Implications
With a population of 2.5 million, many residents of Quetta are at risk of health issues due to this contamination. High fluoride levels can cause reddish-brown teeth in children and knee pain in adults over 50. Durrani described the fluoride as a "slow poison" due to its tasteless nature in water.
Call for Action
The study urges the government to establish minimum fluoride levels and install water filtration and treatment plants to ensure safe drinking water. Durrani emphasized the importance of checking fluoride levels before consuming water to prevent health problems.
Doubts Revealed
Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water and soil. It is often added to toothpaste to help prevent cavities, but too much fluoride can be harmful to health.
Quetta
Quetta is a city in Pakistan, which is located near the border with Afghanistan. It is the capital of the Balochistan province.
Taimoor Shah Durrani
Taimoor Shah Durrani is a researcher from Balochistan University who conducted the study on water contamination in Quetta.
Balochistan University
Balochistan University is an educational institution in Pakistan where Taimoor Shah Durrani works. It is located in the Balochistan province.
WHO
WHO stands for the World Health Organization. It is a global organization that provides guidelines and standards for health and safety, including safe levels of fluoride in drinking water.
3.4 mg
3.4 mg refers to the amount of fluoride found in some areas of Quetta's water. This is higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organization.
Reddish-brown teeth
Reddish-brown teeth, also known as dental fluorosis, is a condition caused by too much fluoride. It can make teeth look discolored and is common in children who drink water with high fluoride levels.
Knee pain
Knee pain in adults can be a symptom of skeletal fluorosis, a condition caused by high fluoride levels in the body. It can make bones and joints hurt.
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