Fluorides in the Environment Effects on Plants and Animals

This book contains eight chapters discussing the history of fluorine and sources of fluorides in the environments. The uptake, transport and accumulation of inorganic fluorides by plants and animals, as well as their effects on these organisms are discussed. Some case histories in Scotland, Oregon (USA), British Columbia (Canada) and Cubatão (São Paulo, Brazil) involving fluoride contamination are examined. Monitoring and identifying effects of fluoride in the field, and the environmental standards to protect humans, other animals and plants are highlighted. Finally, the important properties of some natural organofluorine compounds (particularly monofluoroacetate) and manufactured organofluorine compounds (e.g. pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals) are described.