[The role of nitrates in the genesis of goiter morbidity].

Epidemiologic study was carried out concerning the level of goitrous morbidity in the growing up individuals aged from 3 to 14 years, permanently living in a settlement with increased nitrate content in the drinking water and natural Iodine deficiency. The data for the incidence of the goitrous morbidity were compared with those of a control group of children. The investigation included a total of 325 children. A high percentage of goitrous morbidity was recorded in the observed by us settlement with increased nitrate content in the drinking water, respectfully 35% versus 8.1% in the control settlement. Low degree of juvenile goiter predominated with slight prevalence of the female sex. A statistically reliable difference (p < 0.001) in the incidence of goitrous morbidity in the observed by us settlement and the control settlement.