Fluoride in Air, Grass, and Cattle

Abstract

Grass can absorb and retain fluoride [F-] from ambient air. This F- then was absorbed by cattle eating the grass. The accumulation of this F- in their teeth and bone damaged their health and productivity. Critical concentrations of F- in grass were defined. New data describing the relationship between amount of F- in air and F- in leaves of grass were assembled and expressed by a regression equation. This equation can be used to predict F- accumulation in grass near a planned industrial project, and the likelihood of effect or damage in grazing cattle can be judged.