Fluorine

It occurs in nature as fluoride, in air, soil and water. Fluorisis is a common problem in several states of the country due to intake of high fluoride content water. Fluorides cause dental fluorisis, stiffness of joints (particularly spinal cord) causing humped back. Pain in bones and joint and outward bending of legs from the knees is called Knock-Knee syndrome. In cattle, fluoride intake causes staining, mottling and abrasion of teeth, lameness and decrease in milk production.