Increased Radon Concentrations Research Articles

Contribution to the study of "smoking and radon" interaction in the lung cancer development across the Republic of Moldova

Introduction. The most important risk factors for lung cancer are the tobacco smoking and residential radon exposure. The study of the interaction of smoking x radon as trigger factor for lung cancer morbidity in the Republic of Moldova was carried out.
 Material and methods. Data on tobacco smoking prevalence of the national study STEPS 2021, lung cancer morbidity data of 2012-2020 and data of radon measurements using RADTRAK2 during 2018-2021 were used. Data processing tools included summary statistics and cluster analysis.
 Results. The distribution of high radon values, the number of smokers and the lung cancer morbidity is uneven throughout the country. The formation of higher cluster combining all variables has proceeded by the formation of two clusters: 1. lung cancer incidence, lung cancer prevalence, number of total tobacco smokers, number of male smokers, number of female smokers, and number of urban smokers, 2. radon concentration and number of rural smokers.
 Conclusions. Study results demonstrate the leading role of tobacco smoking on morbidity among the adult population, regardless of gender in an urban environment with a rather low concentration of radon, and at the same time indicate the cumulative effect of smoking and increased radon concentration in rural areas due to the construction features of houses and lifestyle.

Toxicity of Radon-222 in Groundwater across Keana in Nasarawa, Nigeria

The most common supply of freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and other domestic uses is groundwater; however, because of increased radon concentrations brought on by mining activities, its quality is still a severe concern. Using a liquid scintillation detector, this study investigated the radon content, its related toxicity, and its risk to human health in the groundwater of the Keana in Nasarawa, Nigeria. Ten (10) borehole samples and five (5) well samples totaling fifteen (15) groundwater samples were taken. The results showed that the average radon concentration in water samples from Keana was 2.25 Bq/L. The mean annual effective dosage (ingestion) for adults and children in Keana was 0.016 mSv/y and 0.027 mSv/y, respectively. In Keana, the additional lifetime cancer risk per adult was 5.65 × 10–5, and per child, it was 8.79 × 10–5. The study’s radon concentration was lower than the benchmark of 11.1 Bq/L established in 1991 by the Nigerian Standard Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency. The results of this study indicate that the level of radon is safe; as a result, people can continue farming and other activities. To reduce the risk of cancer, however, more research could be done in the area. Further research should be done by looking at additional sources in the study area in order to cover the entire zone. Further investigation should be carried out both during the dry and wet seasons because radon concentrations in groundwater alter over time due to dilution by recharge from rainfall.

Evaluation of tectonically enhanced radon in fault zones by quantification of the radon activity index

This work highlights the importance of the Geogenic Radon Potential (GRP) component originated by degassing processes in fault zones. This Tectonically Enhanced Radon (TER) can increase radon concentration in soil gas and the inflow of radon in the buildings (Indoor Radon Concentrations, IRC). Although tectonically related radon enhancement is known in areas characterised by active faults, few studies have investigated radon migration processes in non-active fault zones. The Pusteria Valley (Bolzano, north-eastern Italy) represents an ideal geological setting to study the role of a non-seismic fault system in enhancing the geogenic radon. Here, most of the municipalities are characterised by high IRC. We performed soil gas surveys in three of these municipalities located along a wide section of the non-seismic Pusteria fault system characterised by a dense network of faults and fractures. Results highlight the presence of high Rn concentrations (up to 800 kBq·m−3) with anisotropic spatial patterns oriented along the main strike of the fault system. We calculated a Radon Activity Index (RAI) along north–south profiles across the Pusteria fault system and found that TER is linked to high fault geochemical activities. This evidence confirms that TER constitutes a significant component of GRP also along non-seismic faults.

Control of the Health Risk of Radon Exposure in the Republic of Moldova

The paper presents the results of a national radon survey conducted in the context of the Republic of Moldova. The study included about 2500 homes of different types, located in urban and rural localities in different areas of the country. The RADTRAK2 detectors kindly provided by the RADONOVA laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden, for the MOL9007 project funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been used. The exposure period was 90 days. The measured radon concentrations are the following: the average (±standard deviation) 252.8 ± 215.9 Bq/m3; the range (minimum–maximum) 10–1480 Bq/m3; the median 200 Bq/m3 and the geometric mean (± geometric standard deviation) 158.5 ± 3.0 Bq/m3. The results of the study allowed mapping indoor radon and identifying localities with increased radon concentrations. In order to reduce the high radon concentrations in places recording >300 Bq/m3, appropriate measures have been proposed according to the legislation in force. The cluster analysis showed positive links between the radon concentration in dwellings and the incidence of respiratory diseases, especially the bronchopulmonary cancer in the country.

Determination of optimal ventilation rates in educational environment in terms of radon dosimetry.

New and renovated energy efficient buildings with minimised ventilation rates together with increased building airtightness are often associated with higher indoor radon concentrations compared to the concentrations in existing buildings. The purpose of our study is to analyse the problem associated with the increased radon concentration and ventilation requirements and recommendations in schools. The radon concentration was critically assessed by varying the design ventilation rates (DVRs) within fifteen cases according to legislative requirements and recommendations. The case study is a branch primary school in western part of Slovenia situated in a radon prone area. Radon (222Rn) concentrations were simulated in the classroom, using CONTAM 3.2. For validation, measurements were performed on 8 measuring days in September and 6 measuring days in March. The simulated and measured 222Rn concentrations are well correlated for all measurement days, with the simulated/measured ratio of 0.85-1.39. In order to define optimal DVRs in terms of dosimetry, the effective dose and its ratio to the worldwide average effective dose at workplace, received by radon progeny in 950h (expected effective dose, 0.13mSv/y), were calculated for each case. Simulations showed that the highest radon concentrations were observed in case 1 with a DVR of 79.6m3/h (621 Bq/m3) and case 4 with a DVR of 69.4m3/h (711 Bq/m3), both defined by national regulations. The calculated values in both cases exceeded the national reference value for radon (300 Bq/m3) by 2.1 times and 2.4 times, and the WHO guideline value (100 Bq/m3) by 6.2 times and 7.1 times, respectively. The simulations are in line with the results of radon dosimetry. Both DVRs correspond to the highest effective doses, 1.88 mSv/y (about 14-fold higher than expected effective dose) for case 1 and 2.15 mSv/y (about 17-fold higher than expected effective dose) for case 4. Case 11_Cat I with a DVR of 1999.7m3/h defined by EN 15251: 2007 resulted in minimal Rn concentration (35 Bq/m3) and corresponds to the lowest effective dose 0.11 mSv/y and its ratio to the expected effective dose 0.8. Ventilation is an immediate measure to reduce radon concentration in a classroom and it must be performed in line with other holistic measures to prevent and control radon as a health risk factor.

Radon concentration in conventional and new energy efficient multi-storey apartment houses: results of survey in four Russian cities

During last decades, energy saving in new buildings became relevant within the energy efficiency strategies in various countries. Such energy efficient building characteristics as air tightening and low ventilation can compromise indoor air quality, in particular, increase radon concentration. In Russia, a significant part of the new buildings is the energy efficient multi-storey apartment houses. The aim of this study is to assess the significance of possible radon concentration increase in new energy efficient buildings in comparison with typical conventional multi-storey houses of previous periods. Radon surveys were conducted in Russian cities Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Saint-Petersburg and Krasnodar. The radon measurements were carried out in 478 flats using CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Energy efficiency index (EEI) was assigned to each house. All buildings were divided into six main categories. The smallest average radon concentration was observed in panel and brick houses built according to standard projects of 1970–1990 (four-city average 21 Bq/m3). The highest average radon concentration and EEI were observed in new energy efficient buildings (49 Bq/m3). The trend of radon increase in buildings ranked with high EEI index is observed in all cities. The potential increase of radiation exposure in energy-efficient buildings should be analyzed taking into account the principles of radiological protection.

Increased radon concentration in Katalekhor tourist cave during an earthquake compared with 10 years of follow-up data

On May 27, 2008, a strong earthquake of magnitude 5.3 Richter hit Zanjan province. The radon concentration has been measured and registered at the time of earthquake occurrence at 10:48 local time inside the Katalekhor cave being situated at suburb of Zanjan city. After this event, it was planned to measure and analyze the radon concentration in the same year (2008) and 10 years after the earthquake (2018) by using passive methods and the results have been presented. Real time observations show an increase of five times in radon concentration when earthquake happened comparing to normal condition.

Methodological problems in epidemiological data: the case of correlation between radon level and lung cancer

This paper focuses on the relationship between radon concentration and lung cancer morbidity from the methodological point of view. Geographically aggregated data on cancer risk factors, collected for 3142 US counties and county-equivalents are discussed. Apart from the Least-Squares and Bayesian linear regression analysis, for the first time the Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) is used to investigate this type of correlation, where major confounding factors under considerations are altitude and ultraviolet (type B) radiation. First two methods of analysis show statistically significant decrease in the group with the high smoking prevalence. This trend did not depend on the sex of the subjects or their prevalence of smoking. The use of MEM provides a much richer picture of a clear trend of decreasing morbidity of lung cancer with increasing radon concentration level. Last but not least, it is shown that the data binning has to be made carefully as otherwise the conclusions based on the data can be dubious.

P2.10-15 RADON: #1 Cause of Lung Cancer in Non-Smokers

Radon, a known carcinogen, is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally when the uranium in soil and rock breaks down. It is invisible, odourless and tasteless. When radon is released from the ground into the outdoor air, it is diluted and is not a concern. However, in enclosed spaces, like homes, it can sometimes accumulate to high levels, which can be a risk to the health of you and your family. Radon gas breaks down or decays to form radioactive elements that can be inhaled into the lungs. In the lungs, decay continues, creating radioactive particles that release small bursts of energy. This energy is absorbed by nearby lung tissue, damaging the lung cells. The World Health Organization has identified radon exposure being the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. Recent epidemiological studies on indoor radon and lung cancer in Europe, North America and Asia provided strong evidence that radon causes a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population. Using the risk model developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and with the radon distribution obtained from a recent cross-Canada radon survey in about 14,000 homes, the Canadian age-specific rates for overall and lung cancer mortality rates averaged over five years from 2008 to 2012 and the Canadian age specific smoking prevalence data in 2002, the Canadian population risk for radon induced lung cancer was assessed. The population risk of radon-induced lung cancer is assessed by an attributable risk (AR). The ARs for Canadian males are 0.15 for ever-smokers and 0.29 for never-smokers. For Canadian females, the ARs are 0.14 for ever-smokers and 0.28 for never-smokers. The detailed breakdown of AR in different radon ranges showed that the risk increases with increased radon concentration. Based on the more accurate radon distribution characteristics obtained from the recent cross-Canada radon survey, the Canadian population risk of radon-induced lung cancer was assessed. The theoretical estimates show that about 14 – 16% of lung cancer deaths among Canadians are attributable to indoor radon exposure. The results strongly suggest that it is important to test your homes for radon, and take actions as required to effectively prevent and reduce radon-induced lung cancer.

Estimates of the Lung Cancer Cases Attributable to Radon in Municipalities of Two Apulia Provinces (Italy) and Assessment of Main Exposure Determinants.

Indoor radon exposure is responsible for increased incidence of lung cancer in communities. Building construction characteristics, materials, and environmental determinants are associated with increased radon concentration at specific sites. In this study, routine data related to radon measurements available from the Apulia (Italy) Regional Environmental Protection Agency (ARPA) were combined with building and ground characteristics data. An algorithm was created based on the experience of miners and it was able to produce estimates of lung cancer cases attributable to radon in different municipalities with the combined data. In the province of Lecce, the sites with a higher risk of lung cancer are Campi Salentina and Minervino, with 1.18 WLM (working level months) and 1.38 WLM, respectively, corresponding to lung cancer incidence rates of 3.34 and 3.89 per 10 × 103 inhabitants. The sites in the province of Bari with higher risks of lung cancer are Gravina di Puglia and Locorotondo, measuring 1.89 WLM and 1.22 WLM, respectively, which correspond to an incidence rate of lung cancer of 5.36 and 3.44 per 10 × 103 inhabitants. The main determinants of radon exposure are whether the buildings were built between 1999 and 2001, were one-room buildings with porous masonry, and were built on soil consisting of pelvis, clayey sand, gravel and conglomerates, calcarenites, and permeable lithotypes.

Tap water as a source of indoor radon in houses

Outdoors, radon is quickly diluted to very low, not problematic concentrations but indoors, it can concentrate significantly. Places that are particularly exposed to an increased radon concentration from water sources are places where water is dispersed, e.g. bathrooms or areas in water treatment facilities. The aim of the paper is to present the calculation of radon escaping from water into the indoor area at home on the example of Mokre village. Mokre is supplied with water from an underground source containing radon 222 Rn in concentration of about 200 Bq/L. The obtained data has been compared with WHO recommendation (WHO, 2009) and literature review. Considering that 300 Bq·m-3 are equivalent to 10 mSv per year, which is equal to receiving approximately an annual full chest CT (computed tomography), the risk resulting from the emission of radon from tap water in Mokre has been assessed to be insignificant.

Correlative and multivariate analysis of increased radon concentration in underground laboratory.

The results of analysis using correlative and multivariate methods, as developed for data analysis in high-energy physics and implemented in the Toolkit for Multivariate Analysis software package, of the relations of the variation of increased radon concentration with climate variables in shallow underground laboratory is presented. Multivariate regression analysis identified a number of multivariate methods which can give a good evaluation of increased radon concentrations based on climate variables. The use of the multivariate regression methods will enable the investigation of the relations of specific climate variable with increased radon concentrations by analysis of regression methods resulting in 'mapped' underlying functional behaviour of radon concentrations depending on a wide spectrum of climate variables.

Comparative study of geophysical and soil–gas investigations at the Hartoušov (Czech Republic) natural CO2 degassing site

Our study at this natural analog site contributes to the evaluation of methods within a hierarchical monitoring concept suited for the control of CO2 degassing. It supports the development of an effective monitoring concept for geological CO2 storage sites—carbon capture and storage as one of the pillars of the European climate change efforts. This study presents results of comprehensive investigations along a 500-m long profile within the Hartousov (Czech Republic) natural CO2 degassing site and gives structural information about the subsurface and interaction processes in relation to parameters measured. Measurements of CO2 concentrations and investigation of the subsurface using electrical resistivity tomography and self-potential methods provide information about subsurface properties. For their successful application it is necessary to take seasonal variations (e.g., soil moisture, temperature, meteorological conditions) into consideration due to their influence on these parameters. Locations of high CO2 concentration in shallow depths are related to positive self-potential anomalies, low soil moistures and high resistivity distributions, as well as high δ13C values and increased radon concentrations. CO2 ascends from deep geological sources via preferential pathways and accumulates in coarser sediments. Repetition of measurements (which includes the effects of seasonal variations) revealed similar trends and allows us to identify a clear, prominent zone of anomalous values. Coarser unconsolidated sedimentary layers are beneficial for the accumulation of CO2 gas. The distribution of such shallow geological structures needs to be considered as a significant environmental risk potential whenever sudden degassing of large gas volumes occurs.

Dealing with the increased radon concentration in thermally retrofitted buildings.

The influence of energy-saving measures on indoor radon concentration has been studied on the basis of a family house made of clinker concrete wall panels containing from 1000 up to 4000 Bq kg(-1) of 226Ra. Thermal retrofitting based on installing external thermal insulation composite system on the building envelope and replacing existing windows by new ones decreased the annual energy need for heating 2.8 times, but also reduced the ventilation rate to values<0.1 h(-1). As a consequence, the 1-y average indoor radon concentration values increased 3.4 times from 337 to 1117 Bq m(-3). The additional risk of lung cancer in the thermally retrofitted house increased to a value that is 125 % higher than before conversion. Methods for dealing with this enhanced risk by increasing the ventilation rate are discussed. Recovery of investments and the energy consequences of increased ventilation are studied in a long-term perspective.

Outdoor 222Rn-concentrations in Germany – part 2 – former mining areas

In the German Federal States of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, centuries of mining and milling activities resulted in numerous residues with increased levels of natural radioactivity such as waste rock dumps and tailings ponds. These may have altered potential radiation exposures of the population significantly. Especially waste rock dumps from old mining activities as well as 20th century uranium mining may, due to their radon (222Rn) exhalation capacity, lead to significant radiation exposures. They often lie close to or within residential areas. In order to study the impact on the natural radon level, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has run networks of radon measurement points in 16 former mining areas, together with 2 networks in regions not influenced by mining for comparison purposes.Representative overviews of the long-term outdoor radon concentrations could be established including estimates of regional background concentrations. Former mining and milling activities did not result in large-area impacts on the outdoor radon level. However, significantly increased radon concentrations were observed in close vicinity of shafts and large waste rock dumps. They are partly located in residential areas and need to be considered under radiation protection aspects. Examples are given that illustrate the consequences of the Wismut Ltd. Company's reclamation activities on the radon situation.

Terrestrial radioisotopes in black shale hosted Mn-carbonate deposit (Úrkút, Hungary)

Previously, little attention has been paid to terrestrial radioisotopes (U, Th, 40K) occurring in manganese ores, despite the fact that the biogeochemical relationship between Mn and U is versatile. Occurrence of terrestrial radioisotopes in great amounts during mining on a long-term causes significant radiation exposure. It is important to inspect black shale-hosted manganese ores from this aspect, as black shales are typically potential U-rich formations. Despite the increased radon concentration in the mine, based on the detailed major elements, trace elements and gamma spectroscopy inspection of the rock types of deposit, the U, Th enrichment was undetectable. However, the U and Th content of about average terrestrial abundance of the great ore amount may be in the background of the increased radon concentration level. This Mn-carbonate ore deposit in spite of the low U content exhibit potential radon danger for miners, which can be eliminated with intensive air change only.

Preliminary Findings of Radon Potential Indexes in Five Canadian Cities

Radon has been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. Since radon in soil is believed to be the main source of radon in Canadian homes, a radon potential index determined from soil radon concentration and soil permeability can be used to describe the indoor radon potential resulting from radon in soil gas. The index increases with increasing radon concentration in soil gas and soil permeability. This study reports detailed measurements of soil gas radon concentrations and soil permeability in a total of 254 sites in five cities, Montreal, Gatineau, Ottawa, Kingston and Toronto. Average radon potential indexes were determined for each individual site of five measurement locations. The results provided additional data for the mapping of radon potentials in Canada.

RADON AIR POLLUTION IN URANIUM BIOGEOCHEMICAL AREAS OF THE TOWN OF MAILUU-SUU, KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Background and Aims:To study the radon air pollution in uranium biogeochemical area and to search for possible ways to reduce air pollution. Materials and methods: The present study was carried out in the town of Mailuu-Suu, Kyrgyzstan. There was an ore mining and processing enterprise in Mailuu-Suu that mined uranium between 1946 and 1966. Charcoal traps were used to detect radon concentration in the air. Results: A total of 120 premises were examined. An increased radon concentration (&gt;200 Bq/m3) was revealed in 112 cases (85%). The results of examination of radon air concentration in the town of Mailuu-Suu were as follows: M = 511.23 Bq/m3, max -3704.0 Bq/m3, min-92.50 Bq/m3, •-917.19 Bq/m3, m-290.04 Bq/m3, P&lt; 0,00 and p Ci/I values: • = 12.23; •••-28.20; •in-4.6; •- 7.44 •-2.35, • &lt; 0.001. To reduce radon air pollution level in this area the following activities were suggested to local population: arrangement of green spaces (planting of trees and shrubs) in the area, use of sprinkler installation for garden watering, removal of uranium-containing boulders from the area, regular cleaning and ventilation of premises. On completion of the activities proposed the radon air concentration values were as follows: M = 704,39, max -2714,0, min-126,9 Bq/m3, •-717,19 Bq/m3, m-260.04 Bq/m3, P&lt; 0,00 and p Ci/I values: • = 10,23; •••-25.20; •in-3.6; •-6.44 •-2.05, • &lt; 0.001. Conclusions:Thus, arrangement of green spaces (planting of trees and shrubs) in the area, use of sprinkler installation for garden watering, removal of uranium-containing boulders from the dumps, regular cleaning and ventilation of premises are of great help in reducing radon air pollution level under the conditions of the town of Mailuu-Suu.

The effect of meteorological parameters on radon concentration in borehole air and water

Seasonal and short term variations of 222Rn activity concentration in borehole air and water of the borehole drilled in cracked quartzite were studied and possible response on meteorological parameters was examined. Seasonal change of radon concentration in borehole air due to atmospheric temperature was confirmed. Short term variation of radon concentration in borehole air coincided with the atmospheric pressure changes. The strong impact of rainfall on radon concentration values was observed both in air and water environments. The decrease of radon content in borehole air and water followed radioactive decay law exclusively in spring and summer month. Contrary to borehole water, rainfall increased radon concentration in borehole air during spring and summer months only. In this paper the results from two and half years of investigation are presented.

Contribution to the study of thermal waters in Greece: chemical patterns and origin of thermal water in the thermal springs of Lesvos

AbstractThe occurrence of thermal/spa waters on Lesvos Island is related to the presence of a major faulting system. Thermal waters are the result of mixing of meteoric and infiltrating seawater at great depth, and their total salinity depends on the percentage of seawater in their composition. According to the diagrams of main elements, trace elements and environmental isotopes, most of the components that determine the chemical composition of thermal waters such as sodium, chloride and sulphates originate from seawaters. On the other hand, the concentration of calcium, magnesium, boron, lithium, etc., was affected by water–rock interaction under high temperature conditions. Moving towards the surface, thermal waters may become polluted by influx of recent seawater, allowing their chemical composition to become similar to that of seawater. The thermal waters of Lesvos Island present relatively high concentrations of ammonia and redox sensitive metals because they are hosted in a reducing environment. They also exhibit low nitrate concentrations due to their mixture with recent fresh water. Finally, they show increased radon concentrations, ranging from 20 to 60 kBq m−3 in the eastern and southern parts of the island, and about 230 kBq m−3 in the north, in the area of Eftalou–Argenos. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.