Iodine is an essential component produced by thyroid glands. Iodine is widely but unevenly distributed in the earth’s environment. It is mostly present in oceans, which volatiles and evaporates into atmosphere and returns to soils by rain and completes the cycle. This cycle, however, is slow and incomplete in many regions, thus becomes deficient in many groundwaters and soils. Crops grown in these soils are low in iodine concentration and man and animals consuming these crops also become deficient in iodine (WHO, 2001). Iodine deficiency has many adverse effects on growth and development in man and animals, which are collectively termed as iodine deficiency disorders and are common in human beings (Delange and Hetzel, 2008). Goiter is the classic example of iodine deficiency. Estimates show that it is still affecting more than 30% of the global population. The problem has been addressed and eradicated in many countries but it is still a major problem in developing countries (Kelly and Snedden, 1960). The mountainous parts of Pakistan belong to the world’s most severe endemic areas of iodine deficiency. Several surveys show a goiter prevalence of 20.7 percent in school age children. It is estimated that Pakistan’s 10-15 million people are at risk of the IDD (Qureshi et al., 2001).

Considering the severity of iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) in Pakistan, this research project is designed to study the concentrations, dynamics and spatial variability of iodine in soils, plants and waters of 75 villages of Hazara division in relation to IDD especially endemic goiter in these areas. The urine/blood test of the community population will be performed to observe iodine content and will be corrected with iodine level in soils, plants and waters. Such study will not only be helpful in providing insight of the iodine deficiency related problems but also will provide sufficient data to tackle the problem. The behavior, attitude and perceptions of the local communities regarding iodine, its deficiency and use will also be monitored. The successful completion of the project may advance our knowledge of iodine deficiency related problems in the survey areas and will be helpful for government and other bodies to plan projects and intervene to mitigate such deficiencies.