Abstract
Radioactive (radon) groundwaters are highly valued among mineral waters for their healing effects. Between 2005 and 2015, a large exploratory event for prospecting and documenting radon water springs took place in the crystalline area of Lugicum (Bohemian Massif) under Czech–Polish cooperation. For these purposes, an exploration method was developed as a combination of GIS (ArcMap 9.1–10.2) area preparation followed by field radiohydrogeochemical mapping at a scale of 1:10,000. The gamma indication method was optimized and used for the selection of water samples. A total of 2354 water sources were examined. Radon activity concentrations were measured at 660 sources found throughout the territory. Of those, 111 sources exhibited 222Rn activity above 1500 Bq/L and, thus, were categorized as sources of mineral radioactive waters according to Czech legislation. The highest 222Rn activity was found in the Michael spring near Nové Město pod Smrkem (up to 6237 Bq/L 222Rn). Many discovered sources with high balneological potential are significant and, therefore, are quickly becoming popular among the public.
Highlights
According to Sheen et al [1], Rodriguez-Martinez et al [2], and other authors, radon (222 Rn) in dwellings has been considered a risk factor for lung cancer since 1985
The results indicate that every twenty-first water source with radon activity (4.7%)
Many important new sources of healing radon waters with high balneological potential have been discovered in the area explored
Summary
According to Sheen et al [1], Rodriguez-Martinez et al [2], and other authors, radon (222 Rn) in dwellings has been considered a risk factor for lung cancer since 1985. The. International Agency for Research on Cancer recognizes radon as a carcinogen [3]. It must be emphasized that modern research methods [4] discredit the conclusions of studies proving the harmful effect of radon on the basis of a linear no-threshold theory. This theory has been in crisis for a long time, as its verification for the low-dose region is impossible [5]. The use of radon waters in balneotherapeutic treatments produces beneficial effects on patients’ health [7,8]. These effects are very complex, as radon activates the immune system [9–11]. Radon waters (waters rich in dissolved 222 Rn) are highly valued in balneotherapy for their curative effect
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