The first WHO publication dealing specifically with drinking-water quality was published in 1958 as International Standards for Drinking-water (WHO, 1958). It was subsequently revised in 1963 and in 1971 under the same title (WHO, 1963, 1971). In 1984–85, the first edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality was published. The philosophy and content of the Guidelines constituted a significant departure from the previous International Standards. The basic premise of the Guidelines was that they are not standards as such, but should be used as a basis for setting national or regional standards taking into account local social, cultural, environmental and economic considerations. There is now a continuing process of updating the GDWQ, through which it was concluded that there was a need for a monograph on fluoride in drinking-water that would be useful to a wide range of individuals, including health workers and sanitary engineers who may require a broad introduction to the subject, but would still provide more detailed guidance in some specific areas. Such a monograph could provide an appropriate introduction and background information, and indicate where other more detailed information could be obtained. The primary focus of the monograph should be the prevention of adverse effects from excessive levels of fluoride in drinking-water. This document, Fluoride in Drinking-water, was written to meet that need. It is one of several monographs, which also cover arsenic and complements guidance previously published on cyanobacteria in water. The draft monograph was issued for extensive consultation and the final draft, which considered the comments received, also received further peer review from experts in developing and developed countries.

Bibliographic information

Fawell, J. et al. (2006). Fluoride in Drinking-water WHO

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