Effects Of Atomic Radiation Research Articles

Radon exhalation and health hazard assessment for various ceramic tiles used in Bangladesh

Objective: Among various building materials, tiles are the most used decorative materials used worldwide. For the safe use of tiles at home and workplace it is required to select them properly based on radiation dose due to radon and gamma emission.
 Experiments: Among various tiles available in the market, 25 different types of tiles were collected for this experiment. Collected tiles are then ground and stored in sealed cans for secular equilibrium. To measure gamma activity due to the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector was used. To store radon gas emitting from tiles, a big box was used. The activity concentration was then measured by a radon detector (RadonEye) by placing it inside the box.
 Results and discussion: It was observed that 226Ra, 232Th, 40K activity varies from 45 – 89 Bq/Kg, 77 – 110 Bq/Kg, and 321 – 694 Bq/Kg. The radium equivalent activity varies from 198.32 – 280.46 Bq/Kg, less than the recommended value of 370 Bq/Kg set by UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation). The activity concentration of radon varies from 31 – 71 Bq/m3. This is lower than the 300 Bq/m3 recommended by ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection). The radon exhalation rate varies from 0.179 – 0.409 Bqm−2h−1. To assess radiological hazards associated with the tiles samples air absorbed dose rate, internal and external hazard index, gamma index, annual indoor and outdoor effective dose rate, and dose due to radon were also calculated.
 Conclusion: Though the estimated values for external and internal hazards are below the recommended values, they may be safe for adults. As children have thinner skin and breathe more air due to high breathing frequency, they may receive more radiation than adults. Moreover, they are at a greater risk because of their developing bodies and long life expectancy post-exposure.

Science-informed Policy Making for Protecting People and the Environment from Radiation.

The process to arrive at the radiation protection practices of today to protect workers, patients, and the public, including sensitive populations, has been a long and deliberative one. This paper presents an overview of the US Environmental Protection Agency's (US EPA) responsibility in protecting human health and the environment from unnecessary exposure to radiation. The origins of this responsibility can be traced back to early efforts, a century ago, to protect workers from x rays and radium. The system of radiation protection we employ today is robust and informed by the latest scientific consensus. It has helped reduce or eliminate unnecessary exposures to workers, patients, and the public while enabling the safe and beneficial uses of radiation and radioactive material in diverse areas such as energy, medicine, research, and space exploration. Periodic reviews and analyses of research on health effects of radiation by scientific bodies such as the National Academy of Sciences, National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, and the International Commission on Radiological Protection continue to inform radiation protection practices while new scientific information is gathered. As a public health agency, US EPA is keenly interested in research findings that can better elucidate the effects of exposure to low doses and low dose rates of radiation as applicable to protection of diverse populations from various sources of exposure. Professional organizations such as the Health Physics Society can provide radiation protection practitioners with continuing education programs on the state of the science and describe the key underpinnings of the system of radiological protection. Such efforts will help equip and prepare radiation protection professionals to more effectively communicate radiation health information with their stakeholders.

Assessment of Radioactivity of Some Samples of Healthy Drinking Water and Liquefied Water in Some Areas of the Capital Baghdad Using HPGE Detector System

In this work, a total of 20 water samples were collected from various locations inside the city of Baghdad. Each sample consists of a volume of 1 litre of water which had been obtained from multiple geographical locations. There were twelve water samples representing pure tap water sourced from various locations additionally, eight samples of mineral water were obtained from several marketplaces in Baghdad. A total of six radionuclides were detected in the water samples using the HPGe detector. These radionuclides were identified as Bi 214, Ra 226, TI 208, Bi 212, Pb 212, and K 40. Among these, Bi 214 and Ra 226 are part of the U-238 series, while TI 208, Bi 212, and Pb 212 belong to the Th 232 series. Additionally, K 40 is a naturally occurring radionuclide. The observed minimum value for the average specific activity of radionuclides in pure tap water samples was Al-Yarmouk Pure tap water. However, the sample Hay Al-qahira pure tap water exhibited the highest recorded specific activity values of radionuclides in pure tap water. The observed minimum value for the average specific activity of radionuclides in mineral water samples was Bardaa mineral water. However, the sample (W15) exhibited the highest recorded values for the specific activity of radionuclides in mineral water. The measured external dosage of natural radioactivity in water samples from Baghdad was found to be relatively low, at 0.366 mSv.y-1. This value falls below the recommended limit the United Nations Scientific Committee set on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), 1 mSv.y-1.

Environmental radioactivity around a mining site and its impact on the populace within specified distances from the site in southwest Nigeria

In this study, we quantify specific activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K, from soils, water, and vegetables around limestone mining sites because of the dense urban settlement with high agricultural activities around the area. Annual effective dose (AED) was evaluated and used to estimate radiological hazard impact. Mean values of internal radiation hazard index (Hin) for soils, water, and vegetation are calculated and compared with those from literatures. The estimated mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was obtained, too. The values of ELCR are under the world average value as recommended by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) one of the world regulatory bodies. For this reason, health related issues may occur at long time of living in this environment.

Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Analysis of Sediments of Coastal Areas in Ennore, Tamil Nadu

Objectives: This research focuses on the determination of the natural radionuclides radium, thorium, and potassium in the twenty-six sediment samples collected at the sea, beach, and creek regions of Ennore Port. Methods: The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were determined using gamma ray spectrometry with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Findings: The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were in the descending order of 40K (397.58 Bq kg-1) > 232Th (65.83 Bq kg-1) > 226Ra (18.28 Bq kg-1). The estimated average values of radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity (143.04 Bq kg-1), absorbed dose rate (64.91 nGy h-1), annual effective dose equivalent (0.32 mSv y-1), and external hazard index (0.39) were lower than the respective world average values, reported by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). Moreover, the representative level index and annual gonadal dose equivalent were slightly higher than the world average value. Hence, this research proved that the study area is radiologically safe for humans and the environment. Novelty: A location and sample collection-based novelty is approached to carried out the work. Sea sediments were also collected along with samples from creek and beach regions in order to examine the dispersion of natural radionuclides from land to marine environments. The samples from the beach and creek regions were collected using a Peterson grab sampler. Especially in the sea region, the samples were collected using a Van Veen grab sampler at a depth of 4 m and a distance of 10 m parallel to the shoreline. Keywords: Natural radioactivity, Sediment, Ennore, Gamma ray spectrometry, HPGe detector, Radiological parameters

ИТОГИ 70-й СЕССИИ НАУЧНОГО КОМИТЕТА ПО ДЕЙСТВИЮ АТОМНОЙ РАДИАЦИИ (НКДАР) ООН (Вена, 19–23 июня 2023 г.)

The paper dwells upon the key outcomes of the 70-th Session of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) which took place during 19-23 June 2023. Experts from 30 UNSCEAR Member-states as well as the representatives of international organizations participated in the work of the Session. Within the framework of the meetings of the working group and subgroups the documents on the following projects were discussed: R.757 “Second primary cancer after radiotherapy”, R.758 “Epidemiological studies of radiation and cancer”, R.759 “Evaluation of public exposures to ionizing radiation from natural and other sources”, R.760 “Evaluation of diseases of the circulatory system from radiation exposure” and R.761 “Nervous system effects of ionizing radiation”. The Committee also discussed interim reports: UNSCEAR/70/7 “Implementation of the Strategy to improve collection, analysis and dissemination of data on radiation exposure (including consideration of the Committee’s ad hoc working group on sources and exposure)”, UNSCEAR/70/8 “Implementation of the Committee’s Future Programme of Work and proposals for 2025‒2029 period (including consideration of the Committee’s ad hoc working group on effects and mechanisms)”, working materials for this document “Terms used by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation”, UNSCEAR/70/9 “Implementation of public information and outreach strategy for 2020–2024” and Report to the UN General Assembly.

Assessment of NORMs (238U, 232Th, 40K) and radiation hazard indices in Beldih apatite mine region of Purulia district, West Bengal, India.

The radiation arising from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) is the foremost contributor to the collective dose received by the global population. The present study aims to measure the natural background radiation level and the associated gamma radiation dose in air in the Beldih apatite mine region of Purulia district, India. This study is primarily focused on the determination of 238U, 232Th and 40K activities in the sub-surface soil of the study area. The measurements were carried out using a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer with a relative efficiency of 80%. To achieve uniformity in exposure estimations, radium equivalent activity has been calculated. Additionally, the internal hazard index, external hazard index, radioactivity level index and gamma dose rates have been evaluated to estimate the radiation hazard levels in the study area. The comparison of obtained concentrations and hazard indices with global data (UNSCEAR. (2008). Sources, effects and risks of ionizing radiation. United nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation (report to the general assembly, with Annexes).) suggests that this region lies in a relatively high background radiation zone.

Investigating and Measuring Radon Gas Concentration in Tehran and Alborz Metro Stations

Abstract Humans are regularly exposed to various types of radioactive radiation and, of course, to Radon-222 over the course of their lives. According to the report of the United Nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation in 2000, the average human is estimated to be exposed to about 4.2 mSv of radioactive radiation each year, 52% of which is caused by inhalation of radon gas. The radon gas is one of the most important elements that is emitted from the decay of natural uranium and radium in the earth. Therefore, the concentration of this gas can be higher in enclosed spaces, especially underground locations, and it is important to measure the amount of radon gas radiation in these underground stations. In this research, a domestically manufactured environmental meter for radon gas was used to measure the concentration of this gas in different Tehran metro stations. In general, all 42 subway stations of Tehran and Karaj cities were measured at continuous time intervals during the spring season. On average, trace amounts of radon gas were observed in all the stations, but high concentrations of radon gas were measured at some stations, such as Tajrish and Ghaem stations in the northern Tehran-Karaj plain due to underground water resources, fault type and distinct geological structures. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, the maximum permissible amount of radon gas concentration in the air is 148 Bq/m3, while the average amount was 156 Bq/m3 at Tajrish station. This amount is above the permissible limit and can therefore be considered hazardous to health. Geologically, the Meydan-e-Azadi (Azadi square) station on line 4 located in the center of Tehran also revealed a near high radon concentration due to bedrock that it mainly has been consisted of calcite. Consequently, measures for better ventilation and easier air movement are required in such stations.

Simultaneous measurements of radon, thoron and thoron progeny and induced cancer risk assessment in Djeno, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

In this study, the activity concentrations of radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and thoron progeny were measured simultaneously in Djeno (Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo) using RADUET detectors to evaluate the air quality and the radiological risks due to the inhalation of these radionuclides. Activity concentrations of radon progeny were calculated from those of radon. Indoor radon, thoron and progenies followed a lognormal distribution ranging between 20 and 40, 6 and 62, 8 and 17.6 and 0.4 and 19.6Bqm-3 for radon, thoron, radon progeny and thoron progeny, respectively. Mean values for radon were lower than the worldwide values estimated by the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), which are 40Bqm-3 (arithmetic mean) and 45Bqm-3 (geometric mean). Radon concentrations in the dwellings under study were below the World Health Organization and the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended reference levels, which are, respectively, 100 and 300Bqm-3. The mean concentration of thoron was twice the world average value of 10Bqm-3 estimated by UNSCEAR. Thoron progeny mean concentration was sharply greater than the typical value (0.3Bqm-3) for indoor atmosphere provided by UNSCEAR. Annual effective dose ranges were 0.40-0.87mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.57±0.11mSv) for radon and 0.10-4.14mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.55±0.77mSv) for thoron. The mean value for radon was lower than the value (1.15mSv) estimated by UNSCEAR, while the mean value for thoron was five times higher than the UNSCEAR value (0.10mSv). The study showed that the use of the typical equilibrium factor value given by UNSCEAR to compute effective dose led to an error above 80%. Finally, the results of this study showed that the excess relative risk of radon-induced cancer was low, below 2% for the population under 55y. The results presented in the present study prove that the population of Djeno is exposed to a relatively low potential risk of radon- and thoron-induced cancer.

A preliminary study on determination of radioactivity levels and estimation of the annual effective dose in dried fruits consumed in Albania.

This work aimed to support Albania's food safety monitoring regime. In this context, the natural and artificial radioactivity was measured in 20 samples of dried fruits collected randomly in different markets of Tirana. The activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th and 137Cs was determined by using the high-purity germanium detector. The maximum values of activity concentration in dried fruits were calculated as 517±22Bqkg-1 for 40K, 11.10±0.93Bqkg-1 for 226Ra, 4.38±0.26Bqkg-1 for 232Th and 0.83±0.14Bqkg-1 for 137Cs. The average values of activity concentration of 40K and 226Ra were 269and 6.05Bqkg-1 and the average effective dose to individuals from the intake of the dried fruits was 44μSv y-1. All average values in this study were lower than recommended values by reports United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effect of Atomic Radiation, World Health Organization and International Commission on Radiological Protection for all age groups. Therefore, all dried fruit samples in this study are safe for consumption with acceptable radiological risk and none of them pose any significant radiological impact. The obtained data in this paper and information for levels of radioactivity and ingestion absorbed dose from dried fruits can be used to be the basic data for future comparative analysis of the other studies.

Evaluation of Radioactivity Contents and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk Due to Ingestion from Natural Radionuclides in Maize Samples from Some Selected Maize Farms in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study was carried out to evaluate the radioactivity concentrations of 40K, 232Th and 238U in five maize samples collected from maize farms within Ekiti State, Nigeria. The activity concentration measurements were determined using n – type co-axial HPGe detectors for the state. The activity concentrations were found to vary from 994.67 – 2457.01 Bq Kg-1 for 40K, 32.84 – 91.88 Bq kg-1 for 232Th and 43.21 – 97.77 Bq kg-1 for 238U respectively. The annual effective dose to individuals from the consumption of the Maize was estimated on the basis of the measured radionuclides content in the food crop which ranged between 0.41 and 1.51 m Svy-1 respectively. The value1.04 m Svy-1 were obtained for the state as the mean total annual effective dose. The mean excess life time cancer risk was also calculated to be 2.06x10-9 . The value was compared with the internationally acceptable limits and found to be far less to the maximum permissible dose of 1.0 x10-3 recommended for the public by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Hence, the maize was found to be safe for human consumption.

Simulation of excess lifetime cancer risk due to the presence of radon in groundwater in Wamba town of Wamba local government area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria

The measurements of Radon concentration in ten groundwater (4-wells and 6-boreholes) from Wamba town of Wamba Local Government Area of Nigeria had been carried out. The annual effective dose (AED) and the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) due to ingestion of the groundwater was established to ascertain the risk outcome from the samples. Radon concentration was detected using RAD7. The minimum Radon concentration was 0.146 Bql-1 while the maximum was 0.474 Bql-1 with mean average of 0.3134 Bql-1 which are within the United States Environmental Protection Agencies (USEPA) 11.1 Bq/L recommendation. Moreso, the maximum and minimum Annual Effective Dose (AEDing) was 3.5×10^(-6) and 1.10×10^(-6) Sv/yr which are also within the 0.1 mSv/yr World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation, while the maximum and minimum Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was 1.44×10^(-5) and 4.50×10^(-6) respectively. Cumulative probability simulation of the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) was carried out using Oracle Crystal Ball software validated by 10 and 90% percentiles. Comparison of all the results with the European Union (EU)/World Health Organization (WHO) value of 500 Bq/L recommendation revealed that all the samples analyzed have Radon concentration below the recommended limit. The average mean Radon concentration in the ten locations from Wamba Town are within the recommended levels as confirmed by the simulation results. At 10% Probability, the highest risk was found in Event center (1.26×10^(-5)) while the lowest was found in the water sample collected from Angwan dalatu (1.05×10^(-6)) while at 90% probability the highest (1.62×10^(-5)) and lowest (1.37×10^(-6)) risk was found in the same Events center and Angwan dalatu. Though there is variation in the results based on locations which means that the concentration of Radon gas depends on the geological nature of the bedrock and generally increases with the uranium concentration in the local geology. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) dose results are far lower than the UNSCEAR (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations) recommended maximum contamination level of 0.003875. Therefore, no indication of any likelihood of cancer incidence as a result of waterborne radon within the studied community that may demand urgent intervention from radiological point of view.

Evaluation of radon concentrations in drinking water available in Baghdad Governorate markets, Iraq

Radon dust was measured in 15 samples Results: The mass of radon in potable water from Baghdad Governorate markets ranged from 3.5 (Bq/m3) to 74 (Bq/m3) with a mean value of 26.6 ±25.311 (Bq/m3). illustrated The annual effective dose (Ed) results for each group (3 months, 10 years, 15 years, and adults). The Ed values for the 3-month age group range from 0.10 to 0.88 μSv/year. as seen for the 10-year age group they range from 0.02 to 0.96 μSv/year; as seen for the 15-year age group they range from 0.13 to 0.98 μSv/year and as seen for the adult age group they range from 0.07 to 0.92 μSv/year Results indicated that the content of radon- 222 in healthy drinking water in Baghdad's market was within permissible limits set by the World Health Organization in 2008 and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation in 2000. The annual effective dose of drinking water for infants in Baghdad's market is also within these limits.

A Comprehensive Radiological Survey of Groundwater Resources in Artisanal Mining Communities in the Eastern Region of Ghana: Water Quality vs. Mining Activities

In recent times, groundwater has emerged as an alternative drinking water source for populations in Ghana’s gold mining communities due to high pollution levels in surface water resources caused by artisanal miners. This study presents the findings on different radioactivity levels in groundwater, their sources, the characteristics of aquifers in the study area, and the impact of radionuclides on human health as a factor of water quality. The mean activity concentrations of radionuclides in groundwater samples were 0.1 ± 0.04 Bq/L for Ra-226, 0.36 ± 0.05 Bq/L for Ra-228, and 1.41 ± 0.10 Bq/L for K-40. The activity concentration of 228Ra exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline level of 0.1 Bq/L. The elevated levels of Ra-228 in groundwater were found to be of natural origin, emanating from the aquifer rocks in the study area. Groundwater resources near mining zones showed higher radioactivity levels. The corresponding committed effective dose from consuming such groundwater was estimated to be higher than the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommended value of 0.3 mSv/y for children and infants, indicating potential health risks.

Development of the Automated System for Radiation Risk Analysis: goals, tasks and the vision for progress

This paper describes the preconditions of creation and the process of development of the Automated System for Radiation Risk Analysis. Three main objectives for the development of an automated system for radiation risk analysis were identified: creation of a tool for the development and scientific justification of hygienic standards and other protective quantities in the field of ionizing radiation application; practical implementation of the principles of justification and optimization in radiation protection on the basis of monetary assessment of radiation health risks; and comparative analysis of risks of different nature on the basis of comparable indicators of population health. The Russian software platform 1C: Enterprise was chosen as the development platform for the Automatized System for Radiation Risk Analysis. The choice of this platform was related to simplification of integration with other computer systems being developed at the Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene after Prof. P.V. Ramzaev, such as the Automated System for Radiation Exposure Control of Rospotrebnadzor. Before the practical development of the system in accordance with the terms of reference, the main parameters in view of its interaction with the user were determined: arrangement of the user interface elements, main input parameters, primary calculated indicators and output calculation results, etc. The estimation of annual increase in the probability of radiation-induced malignant neoplasms depending on the organ dose, sex and age of the exposed person and other parameters according to the models of the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Publications 103 and 152 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection was implemented in the system. The capabilities of the system include calculation of a number of modern lifetime radiation risk indicators used for risk characterization in various scientific publications over the last 35 years, including calculation of population risks based on national medical and demographic data of several dozen states published over the last 50 years.

Estimation of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity from the Soil Samples of Ganderbal and Budgam Districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract The study of radionuclides is very important in our daily life as these impose health implications to the general public. In present study the estimation of radionuclides in Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Kashmir Province using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectro-meter has been carried out. Radium, thorium, and potassium activity concentrations have been observed to range from 25±3 to 33±5 Bqkg−1, 3±2 to 11±3 Bqkg−1 and 415±63 to 601±80 Bqkg−1with average values of 29 Bqkg−1, 5 Bqkg−1 and 514 Bqkg−1, respectively. The radium equivalent activity (Raeq) for the soil samples has been evaluated and was found in the range of 107 to128 Bqkg−1 with the mean value of 116 Bqkg−1. It has been inferred that the radium equivalent activity (Raeq) lies in the permissible limits of 370 Bqkg−1 set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Absorbed dose and annual effective dose (indoor and outdoor) values were found to vary from 34 to 43 nGyh−1, 0.17 to 0.21 mSv and 0.04 to 0.05 mSv, respectively. Also, hazard indices (external and internal) are calculated from the specific concentration of radium, thorium and potassium which are found less than unity as recommended by organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD). Therefore, it can be concluded that the present study area does not pose any health implication to the general public.

Environmental radioactivity, radiological hazards, and trace elements assessment of nearshore sediment in the Bay of Bengal

The current study focuses on the environmental radioactivity and multi-risk assessment of nearshore sediment as a source of marine pollution along the Bay of Bengal. The study examines the distribution of primordial radionuclide concentrations using a thallium-activated sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) through atomic adsorption analysis. The data also were used to characterize ecological threats, radiological risks, and the geospatial distribution of toxic compounds in nearshore sediment as a proxy for marine pollution. The active concentration of primordial radionuclides such as uranium-238 (238U), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K) was found in the range from ≤ 3 to 68 (11.4), ≤ 9.5 to 142.7 (41.2), and 85.2 to 603.4 (362) Bq/kg, and the results show that the average radioactive concentration of the average radionuclides was less than suggested by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) ranges. Potentially toxic elements iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were higher in deeper water depths. The current study reveals that mud distribution primarily controls such elements. A decreasing order has been seen as follows by the ecological risk index of individual elements: copper (Cu) > lead (Pb) > nickel (Ni) > chromium (Cr) > zinc (Zn). The significant Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations indicated high pollution at most stations, possibly resulting from regional and terrestrial sources such as industrial activity, urban drainage, manufacturing, and farming. The migration of contaminated soil from the industrial and transportation sectors may be the source of the increased levels of hazardous elements and naturally occurring radionuclides in the sediment transported into the coastal ecosystems of Bay of Bengal.

Assessment of Radiological Risks due to Indoor Radon, Thoron and Progeny, and Soil Gas Radon in Thorium-Bearing Areas of the Centre and South Regions of Cameroon

Indoor radon, thoron and thoron progeny concentrations, along with the equilibrium factor for thoron progeny and soil gas radon concentrations, have been measured to assess radiological risks in the centre and south regions of Cameroon. Indoor radon and thoron concentrations were estimated using radon–thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET), while thoron progeny monitors measured the equilibrium equivalent thoron concentration (EETC). Radon concentrations in the soil were determined using a MARKUS 10 detector. It was found that radon, thoron and thoron progeny concentrations range between 19 and 62 Bq m−3, 10 and 394 Bq m−3 and 0.05 and 21.8 Bq m−3, with geometric means of 32 Bq m−3, 98 Bq m−3 and 4.9 Bq m−3, respectively. The thoron equilibrium factor ranges between 0.007 and 0.24, with an arithmetic mean of 0.06 ± 0.03; this is higher than the world average value of 0.02 provided by the United Nations Scientific Commission on the Effects of Atomic Radiation(UNSCEAR, New York, USA). The level of the soil radon concentration ranges from 4.8 to 57.3 kBq m−3, with a geometric mean of 12.1 kBq m−3 at a depth of 0.7 m. Of the sampling points, 66% fall within normal radon risk areas, and 3% of the sampling areas are high radon risk areas exceeding 50 kBq m−3. The annual effective dose was found to be 0.03 ± 0.01 mSv for radon, 0.08 ± 0.05 mSv for thoron, 0.63 ± 0.12 mSv for radon progeny and 1.40 ± 0.84 mSv for thoron progeny. The total dose is estimated to be 2.14 mSv y−1. The mean estimated indoor excess lifetime cancer risk values due to radon, thoron, radon progeny and thoron progeny are 0.12 × 10−3, 0.31 × 10−3, 2.51 × 10−3 and 5.58 × 10−3, respectively. Thoron progeny contributed 60% to the effective dose. Thus, thoron progeny cannot be neglected in dose assessments, in order to avoid biased results in radio-epidemiological studies.

Ingestion exposure of public to natural radionuclides and committed effective dose and cancer risk through tuber crops cultivated in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Internal exposure of public to radiation arising from ingestion of natural radionuclides in tuber crops of Ebonyi State origin was investigated in this study. Committed effective doses and lifetime cancer risk of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in cassava, cocoyam, water yam, and white yam were calculated. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th determined by gamma spectrometric Na (TI) detector were, respectively, 199.15 ± 23.51, 77.57 ± 7.98, and 118.20 ± 10.72 Bq/kg in cassava; 146.62 ± 40.69, 43.42 ± 7.63, and 75.61 ± 2.89 Bq/kg in cocoyam; 162.81 ± 20.43, 63.17 ± 11.36, and 81.50 ± 10.27 Bq/kg in water yam; and 184.50 ± 20.22, 80.23 ± 10.93, and 116.29 ± 5.93 Bq/kg in white yam. The total committed effective dose via ingestion aligned in this orderof cassava (7.05 mSv/year) > white yam (4.38 mSv/year) > water yam (0.42 mSv/year) > cocoyam (0.21 mSv/year) with overall average dose of 3.12 mSv/year. The values of dose were higher than world average of 0.29 mSv/year given by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). The lifetime cancer risk values were above tolerance level of >10-4 prescribed by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), suggesting probable evolvement of radiogenic cancer morbidity. The data presented in this study contributes to baseline information on radiological characteristics of tuber crops in Ebonyi, which would be valuable to WHO/FAO food safety policy in Nigeria and rest of the world.

Assessment of uranium-235 distribution in soil samples from Anbar province, Western Iraq

Uranium is a radioactive element that can pose a risk to human health if ingested or inhaled. Exposure to high levels of uranium can increase the risk of cancer. Measuring uranium concentration in soil can help identify areas where there may be a risk of exposure to high levels of uranium and take appropriate measures to protect public health. In this study, uranium concentration in soil samples collected from Anbar province in Iraq was measured using CR-39 detectors irradiated with an Am-Be neutron source. The results showed that the highest concentration of uranium-specific activity (12.029 ± 0.0016 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Fallujah district, while the lowest concentration (0.531 ± 0.0007 Bq kg−1) was found in Al Sagra district. Interestingly, the data suggest that uranium concentrations increase as we move southeast towards Baghdad, where the city’s climate is reportedly polluted. Despite this, the average uranium-specific activity level in Anbar (7.668 Bq kg−1) is relatively low, and it falls below the global average of 35 Bq kg−1 recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. This study concludes that there is no evidence of uranium pollution in Anbar. Although uranium concentrations are considered low, low levels of uranium concentration in soil can have important implications for environmental risk, resource exploration, agricultural productivity, and geological research.