Environmental Goitrogenesis

Book excerpt: A balanced view of the causes and the prevention of the iodine defi-ciency disorders is presented in this comprehensive text. The mechanisms of goitrogenesis are explained, along with preven-tive and control measures. Descriptions of environmental com-pounds and other ecological as well as host factors involved in this process are highlighted. Public health and economic impact of the problems and treatment of individual cases are discussed. Overview sections include: Environmental goitrogenesis Sulfurated organics Flavonoids Polyhydroxyphenols and phenol derivatives Phthalate esters and phthalic acid derivatives Polyhalogenated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Hydroxypyridines Inorganics Epidemiological aspects of environmental goitrogenesis Goiter endemias attributed to goitrogens in foodstuffs Goiter endemias attributed to chemical and bacterial pollution of water supplies