a recent study has revealed that iodine-deficiency is widespread in the country. It stalks not only the Himalayan region but also sub-Himalayan terai areas, riverine areas and even the coastal regions of the country. Out of more than 15 billion persons in the world at the risk of iodine deficiency disorder ( idd ), an estimated 167 million are Indians.

Iodine deficiency affects the development of foetus and the growth of human beings at all ages. It results in abortion, stillbirth, mental retardation, deaf-mutism, squint, dwarfism, goitre, neuromotor defects and such other diseases. The survey conducted by the Central and state health directorates, the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi and medical institutes, states that not even a single state or union territory was free from the problem of iodine deficiency disorders.

About 54.4 million persons are suffering from endemic goitre and about 8.8 million from mental handicaps, says the survey. Of the 255 districts surveyed so far, in 222 districts idd is a major public health problem.