Osmium (from Greek á½ÏÎ¼Î® osme, smell) is a chemical element with symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a hard, brittle, bluish-white transition metal in the platinum group that is found as a trace element in alloys, mostly in platinum ores. Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element, with a density of 7004225900000000000â 22.59 g/cm3. Its alloys with platinum, iridium, and other platinum-group metals are employed in fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts, and other applications where extreme durability and hardness are needed.
Goiter is a noncancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most common cause of goiter worldwide is iodine deficiency in the diet. Goiter is often caused by (and a symptom of) hyperthyroidism in the United States, where iodized salt provides plenty of iodine.
Several conditions can cause nodules to develop in your thyroid gland: 1  Iodine deficiency. 2  Lack of iodine in your diet can sometimes cause your thyroid gland to develop thyroid nodules. 3  But iodine deficiency is uncommon in the United States, where iodine is routinely added to table salt and other foods. Goiter is a term used to describe any enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be caused by iodine deficiency or a thyroid disorder. 2  A multinodular goiter contains multiple distinct nodules within the goiter, but its cause is less clear. 3  Thyroid cancer.