Neutron-activation analysis of trace elements in thyroids

Neutron activation analysis was used for routine measurement of trace eleme nts in thyroids of inhabitants of Belanrs as well as in thyroids of people operated for thyroid cancer. The method chosen allowed the analysis of 28 e lements, among them essential and toxic ones, with a good accuracy. The res ults obtained showed significant differences in the elemental composition o f thyroid from the different regions. The changes of elemental composition of thyroids of inhabitants of the Gomel region, where goiter is endemic, se em to be identical to those in the tumor tissue.