Abstract: The dermatoglyphic features of 322 cases in high-fluorine area were analysed. The acquired data were compared with that of the control group and that of the people of serious iodine deficiency area. The results showed some statistical differences in the dermatoglyphic parameters between the people of high-fluorine area and control group. The ulnar loop (Lu ), variation type of palmar creases in the people of high-fluorine area are more abundant than those in control group (P <0.01). The whorl (W), TFRC, and percent frequencies of true patterns in TH/ I1 and I4 in the people of high-fluorine area are less than control group (P <0.01). The dermatoglyphic parameters of the people in high-fluorine area were similar to those of the people of iodine deficiency area in frequencies of Lr, TFRC, variation type of palmar creases and percent frequencies of true pattern in palm.We suggested that long-term high-fluorine environment has an effect on the genetic characteristics of the people in such area. The difference of hereditary features of the people in the same area might have relation to the amount of intake of the micro-elements of external environment.

Key words: Fluorosis; Dermatoglyphics; Han nationlity