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 AD 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.