Fluorine in human metabolism, health and disease

Abstract Fluorine occurs naturally as the monoatomic anion fluoride (F−). Sources of fluorine are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and hydrosphere, and in soils and plants. Additionally, anthropogenic undertakings such as the manufacture of pesticides, phosphate fertilizers, and the smelting of ores add considerable amounts of bioavailable fluorine to the environment. Although fluorine is not an essential in mammalian physiology, it plays several important roles and overexposure can cause harm to every major organ system. This chapter will discuss routes of human exposure to fluoride, the beneficial effects of municipal water fluoridation, metabolism, cellular processes affected by fluoride, and how organ systems and disease processes are modulated by homeostatic and pathologic fluoride exposure.