Endemic fluorosis induced by high concentrations of
fluoride in water and soils is a major health problem
in several countries, particularly in volcanic areas.
Here we describe for the first time the features of
endemic fluorosis in the Herculaneum victims of
the 79 A D eruption, resulting from long-term
exposure to high levels of environmental
fluoride which still occur today —

The overall evidence at Herculaneum clearly
shows the shape of an endemic
system-disease, affecting both adults
and subadults, characterized by
diffuse osteosclerosis and enthesopathy…

Histopathological bone features.