[Prevalence of thyroid diseases in the Primorye Territory: ecological and hygienic aspects].

: The paper presents the results of an ecological and hygienic assessment of the prevalence of thyroid diseases in the Primorye Territory. The analysis has indicated that the morbidity rates from different nosological entities depend on the bioclimatic zone, environmental and geochemical situation. Varying correlations were established between the soil concentrations of chemical elements (nickel, zinc, arsenic, silver, cobalt, and lead) and the degree of thyroid abnormalities in adults, adolescents, and children. The occurrence of thyroid abnormalities in adolescents and adults does not depend unambiguously on the content of iodine in the environmental objects. Arsenic, lead, and cobalt having a significant toxicity affect high morbidity among these population groups.