Contribution of 222Rn, 226Ra, 234U and 238U radionuclides to the occupational and patient exposure in Heviz-spas in Hungary

Abstract

The radiation dose of workers and patients resulting from inhaling radon and through the consumption of spring waters was examined in the hospital near the Heviz lake in Hungary. The radiation dose originating from radon was 2.15–3.95 mSv·y−1 concerning workers at the spa. The radiation dose originating from radon in the case of those regularly taking a bath was an average of 0.75 mSv·y−1. Due to the limited duration of treatments a bound effective dose of maximum 100 µSv·y−1 may originate from radon and inhaling radon, while a maximum of 1.4 µSv·y−1 may originate from ingestion of 222Rn, 226Ra, 234U and 238U radionuclides.