Biogeochemical features of the accumulation of bromine in the human body (example of Tomsk region)

The aim of this paper is to discuss the features of the accumulation of bromine in the human body on the example of Tomsk region. Bromine (Br) is a trace element and one of those that is more likely to pose a risk to human health, playing an important role in the appearance and development of various diseases. A high concentration of this element in the human organism can be connected with uremia, dilated cardiomyopathy, breast cancer and others. Besides, some authors connect the iodine deficiency observed nowadays in many countries with elevated concentrations of man-made bromine in the environment. During our study we found out that there are differences in the accumulation of the element in male and female organisms. We identified the districts of Tomsk region with high accumulation of bromine in the pathologic thyroid and in children’s hair. Finally we showed possible natural and anthropogenic sources of bromine, affecting its accumulation in the human body.