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An occupational sentinel health event; cryolite workers (grinding room) and cryolite refining workers are at increased risk; [Mullan]; Cryolite (Na3AlF6) is a natural fluoride mined in Greenland, or it can be manufactured from fluorspar. A major use of cryolite is in the electrolytic reduction of alumina to produce aluminum. [Hawley] Skeletal fluorosis was first recognized in 1931 among workers processing cryolite. Patients may develop bony exostoses, calcified ligaments, kyphosis, and spinal stenosis. Crippling skeletal fluorosis has been reported in workers with fluoride exposures of 20-80 mg/day for 10-20 years. [Rosenstock, p. 354] |
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