Radon Gas Concentration Research Articles

Assessment of radon gas concentration in river and sediment samples from Diwaniyah and Samawah governorates Southern Iraq

Assessment of radon gas concentration in river and sediment samples from Diwaniyah and Samawah governorates Southern Iraq

Estimation of radon annual effective dose and excess lung cancer risk for the residents of KufrKhal, Jordan

This study aims to measure radon gas concentration, calculate the annual effective dose, and calculate excess lung cancer risk in KufrKhal-Jerash north of Jordan. Radon is a radioactive gas located everywhere and contributes more than 40% of people’s total dose from natural radiation. The Risk concerns have resulted from the increase in mortality due to lung cancer in KufrKhal. About 117 well-calibrated dosimeters were among the study area’s districts (Hill 1, Hill 2, Hill 3, and village center). Each dosimeter consists of a plastic cup with known dimensions and a piece of solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) type CR-39 fixed in the inner bottom of the cup. After 90 days, the retrieved detectors were chemically etched, and the track density (tracks.cm−2) was determined. The results showed that the average radon concentrations drastically varied between the districts of KufrKhal (17.1–128.8 Bqm−3). However, the mean radon values in different districts are closely related (64.4–75.5 Bq.m−3). The lowest concentration (17.1 Bqm−3) was found in the Hill 1 district, and the highest value (128.8 Bqm−3) was found in the village center. However, the overall radon concentration in KufrKhal was approximately 69.2 Bqm−3. This value is within the range of the national average level (43.2 – 77.4 Bq.m−3) and way below the national action level (200 Bq.m−3). Furthermore, the corresponding values of the annual effective dose (AED) and the excess lung cancer risk (ELCR) for dwellers in this village were calculated to be 1.8 mSv.y−1 and 0.2%, respectively. These values, according to Jordan’s national regulations are acceptable.

Measurement of Radon Gas Concentration in Sources of Drinking Water in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria Using Radon Detector (RAD-7)

Study’s Excerpt Radon gas contamination across diverse drinking water sources within Makurdi, Nigeria, was investigated. The RAD-7 detector was used, and the results revealed elevated radon levels exceeding WHO limits in some specific locations. There is a need for targeted risk mitigation strategies and continuous monitoring of Radon gas contamination in the area. Full Abstract Concern over radon gas's potential health risks when used or ingested in homes is growing, as is the issue with its presence in sources of drinking water. In this study, water samples were collected from various locations in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, and the amount of radon gas present was measured using the Radon Detector (RAD-7). The study used a methodical sampling strategy to gather water samples from wells, boreholes, and surface water bodies throughout various Makurdi locations. The gathered water samples were examined using the RAD-7 detector, a trustworthy and sensitive device for measuring radon gas. The radon levels ranged from trace levels (20.0 ) to higher quantities (122.0 ), raising worries about potential health implications for nearby people reliant on these water sources. Thirty (30) samples of water were gathered for this investigation. The samples' radon content ranged from 10.3 to 122.0 Bq L-1, which is within the World Health Organization's (WHO) allowable limit and other regulatory bodies (100 Bq L-1) except in the sample collected from Court 5 and Logo1, which was higher than the set limit. The results of the analysis demonstrated that there were large variations within the range of 0.61 0.39-11.80 1.85 and a mean of 57.36 in the amounts of radon gas in the water samples obtained from the different sources. More research and monitoring are advised to gain a complete understanding of radon distribution and to develop workable radon risk reduction plans for water sources.

Calculation of Radon Gas Concentrations and Effective Dose of Al-Hindia, Euphrates River in Karbala Governorate Using RAD7

Calculation of Radon Gas Concentrations and Effective Dose of Al-Hindia, Euphrates River in Karbala Governorate Using RAD7

Fractal discrete fracture network modeling of radon gas concentration in underground tunnels under Książ Castle in Poland

The numerical modeling of radon concentrations in the fault zone of the underground excavations at Książ Castle was conducted using a stochastic Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. Due to the difficulties related with obtaining the exact fractures in a rock mass, the novel approach used in this study incorporates the stochastic model with known site data. The analysis utilized a dataset comprising long-term measurements of 222Rn activity concentration and geodetic measurements for twelve faults in the Książ unit. The parameters considered in the DFN model are: fracture length, Peclet number (Pe = 0.1 and 1.0, respectively), advection velocities (from 10–8 m/s to 10–6 m/s and from range from 10–7 m/s to 10–4 m/s, respectively), radon diffusion (D = 2.1 × 10–61/s), radon decay constant (λ = 1/s), and radon gas generation (q) along the fractures within the range of 1.5 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s to 3.5 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s. The calibration process obtained the best fit when the radon generation rate was uniformly distributed through the rock mass in addition to incorporating a higher value of radon generation rate (q = 3.0 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s) where elevated radon concentrations have been measured. The modeling results also confirmed that the radon generation rate should always be higher where elevated radon activity concentrations were measured regardless of the measurement period. For the indicated “area” the radon generation rate should be higher from 25% to 37.5% between May–October and 18.5% to 40% between November–April. The influence of fracture zones on the recorded radon activity concentrations was noticeable up to a depth of 15 m. Within this range, the highest values of 222Rn activity concentration, ranging from 1,600 Bq/m3 to 2,000 Bq/m3, were consistently observed regardless of the season. However, as the depth increased, the values of 222Rn activity concentration decreased from 800 Bq/m3 to 400 Bq/m3 and became more dispersed.

Full characterization and calibration of a transfer standard monitor for atmospheric radon measurements

Abstract. In this work, a full characterization of the new user-friendly version of the Atmospheric Radon MONitor (ARMON), used to measure very low activity concentrations of the radioactive radon gas in the outdoor atmosphere, is carried out. The ARMON is based on the electrostatic collection of 218Po+ particles on a semiconductor detector surface. A main advantage of this instrument is that it offers high-resolution alpha-energy spectra, which will allow us to separate radon progeny (210Po, 218Po, and 214Po). The monitor feature may also allow measurements of thoron (220Rn) by collection of 216Po+, although the instrument is not calibrated for this gas. In the paper, the physical principle; the hardware configuration; and the software development of the automatic and remotely controlled ARMON, conceived and constructed within the MAR2EA and the traceRadon projects, are described. The monitor efficiency and its linearity over a wide span of radon concentration activities have been evaluated and tested here using theoretical and experimental approaches. Finally, a complete budget analysis of the total uncertainty of the monitor was also achieved. Results from the application of a simplified theoretical approach show a detection efficiency for 218Po+ of about 0.0075 (Bq m−3)−1 s−1. The experimental approach, consisting of exposing the ARMON at controlled radon concentrations between a few hundreds to a few thousands of becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m−3), gives a detection efficiency for 218Po+ of 0.0057 ± 0.0002 (Bq m−3) s−1. This last value and its independence from the radon levels were also confirmed thanks to a new calibration method which allows us, using low-emanation sources, to obtain controlled radon levels of a few tens of becquerels per cubic metre (Bq m−3). The total uncertainty of the ARMON detection efficiency obtained for hourly radon concentrations above 5 Bq m−3 was lower than 10 % (k= 1). The characteristic limits of the ARMON – being those dependent on the presence of thoron in the sampled air – were also calculated. A detection limit of 0.132 Bq m−3 was estimated in the absence of thoron. At a typical thoron concentration at atmospheric sites of 0.017 min−1, the detection limit was calculated to be 0.3 Bq m−3, but this can be reduced if using a delay volume, obtaining a decision threshold of 0.0045 Bq m−3. Current results may allow us to confirm that the ARMON is suitable to measure low-level radon activity concentrations (1–100 Bq m−3) and to be used as a transfer standard to calibrate secondary atmospheric radon monitors.

Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in Latvian Households

Exposure to radon gas in households presents serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the change in individual habits has led to more time spent in indoor environments with remote activities; thus, the need to raise the awareness of air quality in dwellings and to mitigate the exposure of inhabitants to radon has emerged. This study investigated radon gas concentrations in the air of Latvian dwellings. RadTrack2 passive detectors were deployed in a representative sample of households across 106 municipalities of Latvia (98% of the territory), yielding data from 487 households (973 detectors). The data revealed a median radon concentration of 52 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 were 29 and 93 Bq/m3), with the majority of samples (95.6%) falling below the national reference limit of 200 Bq/m3. The building type and presence of a cellar significantly impacted radon levels, with structures lacking cellars and older buildings exhibiting higher concentrations. Mechanical ventilation proved to be more effective in reducing radon levels, compared to natural ventilation. These findings emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate indoor radon exposure and to ensure the well-being of occupants. Additionally, the dissemination of research data on radon exposure through open-access scientific publications is vital for raising awareness and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Measuring the concentration of radon gas at the College of Dentistry- Al-Iraqia University using (CR-39) detector

In this study, the concentration of radon gas was measured at the College of Dentistry-Al-Iraqia University using a nuclear pathway detector (CR-39). The detector was placed at a distance of 160 cm from the ground level. The detector was exposed to alpha fragments for 30 days. The results showed that the concentration of radon gas has Changed from one site to another. It ranged from the lowest (28.418 Bq/m3) to the highest (233.491 Bq/m3), with an average radon concentration equal to (90.279 Bq/m3). All results were within the permissible limit of a scientist except for one sample A2 in the chemistry laboratory, which was higher than the international permissible limits (200-300 Bq/m3) and recorded by the International Commission on Radiological Protection Statement on Radon.

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

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

Assessment of Radon Potential along Local Fault System in Sofia, Bulgaria (at Specific Test Site)

Environmental spread of radon gas (222Rn) has been intensively investigated in the last few years due to its harmful effects on human health. A concept of radon index is used to characterize the geogenic radon potential of the terrain, as the latter gives the probability of the presence of radon gas concentration in a building, the genesis of which is directly related to the influence of the earth's surface. One of the approaches for quantifying the radon index is based on a multivariate cross-tabulation, which includes two parameters – radon concentration in soil gas and gas permeability of the earth layer (at 80 cm). The geology of the specific site (approx. 350 m2) is characterized by the Pliocene clayey-sandy Formation, covered with Quaternary sediments. From tectonic point of view, the site as a part of Sofia Graben, has being subject of events related mainly with the Late Alpine deformations heading to very complex structures and fault systems. In situ measurements performed in the summer of 2023 at ten distinct points at the surface and 11 distinct points at two meters in depth from the surface vary as follows: from 44.2 to 189.0 kBq/m3 (radon soil gas), from 2.0E-11 to 1.8E-13 m2 (soil gas permeability), and from 0.10 to 0.17 µSv/h (gamma dose rate). Based on that, the radon index of the site is determined from “medium” to “high”, with a predominance of the latter. One of the reasons for the high radon potential is the presence of sub-faults connected with the major Sofia fault system and their influence on the radon concentration. Therefore, in future investigations of the radon index, a very detailed survey of the site's geology is needed in the territory with appearing fault systems. In addition, based on the determination of the radon index, the forthcoming construction activities in such areas will be advised to use preventive measures during the construction of the new building to avoid future radon gas influxes on the premises.

Estimated concentration of Radon in Soil samples collected from Nasiriyah Governorate, Iraq, by using CR-39 detector

In this study, CR-39 detector was used to measure alpha particles emitted from radon gas in fifteen soil samples collected from Nasiriyah Governorate, Iraq. The results indicated that the concentration of radon gas varies from the highest concentration 122.40±19.11Bq m−3 in Bisan area and the lowest concentration of 69.71±17.90Bq m−3 in Hayyal - Muallimeen area, all values are less than the internationally recommended values 200-600 Bq m−3 mentioned by ICRP. Also, the calibration factor for the CR-39 detector was calculated and amounted to be 0.02 (tr.cm 2/Bq m −3 d).

Radon Gas and Possible Concentration Mitigation Solutions inside Residential Buildings in Yemen’s Climatic Environmental Conditions

يهدف البحث إلى : إلقاء الضوء على مصادر غاز الرادون الطبيعية , والطرق المختلفة للحد من مخاطره على الإنسان في بيئته المنزلية .وقد اشتمل البحث على المحاور التالية : المقدمة – غاز الرادون ومصادره الطبيعية – العوامل المؤثرة على تركيز غاز الرادون في الطبيعة – مستويات غاز الرادون في اليمن – تركيز غاز الرادون في المنازل – طرق تخفيض غاز الرادون في المباني- تحليل بعض المباني القائمة في اليمن – الخاتمة . وقد توصل البحث إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها : أن غاز الرادون يحظى باهتمام عالمي متزايد كونه السبب الثاني لمرض سرطان الرئة .

Radon revealed: The hidden connection between construction and contamination in Jazan region

Indoor radon levels, when high, can silently set the stage for lung cancer. Many are actively searching for the reason behind these spikes in radon in our living spaces. The investigation includes buildings in the picturesque Jazan region, where we use the advanced CR-39 solid-state detector. We explored houses built using two interesting methods: traditional soil compaction, innovative pore filling, and simple columns only. Surprisingly, houses built using soil pressure have always remained safe. However, as summer arrived in the Jazan region, 16% of homes with columns revealed radon levels above international safety lines. Even more surprising is that the summer radiation doses in 32% of these homes exceeded international standards. In contrast, pore-filling homes showed unwavering integrity throughout the year. The results showed that the average concentration of radon gas in the first type decreased from 358.97 Bq/cm3 in summer to 209.36 Bq/cm3 in winter. As for the second type, the concentration of radon gas decreased from 153.67 Bq/cm3 in the summer to 88.67 Bq/cm3 in the winter. This study highlights the profound impact of building and home ventilation strategies on radon levels. By combining soil compaction and the tuff layer, we ensure that Jazan homes have a healthy, radon-free environment. Furthermore, constant, up-to-date ventilation is key to staying healthy and radon-free during the hot summer months. It is advised that research into various building types worldwide be continued to determine the most secure method of construction that can lessen gas leakage from the ground and preserve public health. Future research should also look into how different building designs and ventilation systems affect radioactive contamination levels.

Isolation and characterization of multiple-stress tolerant bacteria from radon springs.

Radon springs, characterized by their high concentrations of radon gas (Rn222), are extreme environments with unique physicochemical conditions distinct from conventional aquatic ecosystems. Our research aimed to investigate microbial life in radon springs, focusing on isolating extremophilic bacteria and assessing their resistance to adverse conditions. Our study revealed the prevalence of Actinomycetia species in the radon spring environment. We conducted various tests to evaluate the resistance of these isolates to oxidative stress, irradiation, desiccation, and metal ion content. These extremophilic bacteria showed overall higher resistance to these stresses compared to control strains. Lipidomic analysis was also employed to provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms of these bacteria which were found mainly in the correlations among individual clusters and changes in content of fatty acids (FA) as well as differences between content and type of FAs of environmental isolates and type strains.

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.

Radon levels and dose assessment at the basement workplaces of hospitals in different regions of Taiwan

The basements of large hospitals in Taiwan are usually working areas for image radiometry, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine, where the radon concentration can be accumulated. This study investigated radon concentrations in the basement working environments of 30 hospitals in different regions with various geology of Taiwan, aiming to explore the relationship between geological conditions and radon concentrations and estimate the radiation dose received by the working staff. Portable MR107+ semiconductor radon detectors calibrated with a radon chamber were used for radon measurement at the hospital basement working areas according to the protocol of MAH-2019 instrument placement recommendations from the US EPA. The excess lung cancer risk (ELCR) as well as the lung cancer cases per million persons (LCC) were further derived from the radiation dose.The basement working areas investigated are located on the first to sixth underground floors of hospitals in Taiwan mainland and islands, Penghu and Kinmen. The 222Rn concentration higher than 100 Bq/m3 was observed at CH-1 (122.1 Bq/m3) in Changhua City and CY-1 (114.7 Bq/m3) in Chiayi City. This is attributed to that the central air conditioning systems of these hospitals were turned off during off-duty hours. The radon concentrations of all hospitals were lower than the action level, 150 Bq/m3, regulated by the US EPA. No significant relationship was found between radon concentration and the geological characteristics of the measured sites. That is, the ventilation of the basement working areas in hospitals is more important than local geological characteristics on indoor radon concentration, and therefore proper ventilation is crucial for reducing radon gas concentration in the hospital basements. Estimated annual effective dose from 222Rn for the hospital staff was higher than 1 mSv/y at YL (1.24 mSv/y), CH-1 (1.64 mSv/y), CY-1 (1.54 mSv/y), CY-2 (1.34 mSv/y), and PH-2 (1.14 mSv/y), and that for the rest sites was <1 mSv/y. The maximum mean ELCR was found to be 0.63% at CH-1, and the related LCC was estimated to be 29.5 per million persons.

Radon gas concentrations and exhalation rates in soil samples of Al-Muthanna governorate, Iraq

Radon gas concentrations and exhalation rates in soil samples of Al-Muthanna governorate, Iraq

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.

Estimate the Relationship Between Track Density and Radon Concentration: Hazard Effects in Euphrates River of Karbala-Iraq

Due to the population's health risk, radon has emerged as a major worldwide health problem. 50% of the total eugenic radiation dose is caused by radon and its progenies; therefore, pollution of river water with minerals and radon that cause serious harm to human health. Through the practical results obtained, the theoretical results were linear and a high correlation coefficient. Radon concentrations were measured with CR-39 nuclear track detectors (NTDs). Radon gas concentration and annual effective dose were below the recommended limits. This indicates that the water of the Euphrates River is safe for aquatic life.

Measurement of radium and radon gas in bottled mineral waters.

In this study, the radon gas and radium concentration in the bottled mineral water samples was measured. A total of sixty samples were collected from bottled mineral water sold in the markets in Kahramanmaraş. DURRIDGE Rad7 electronic radon detector was used for measurements. Radon and radium activity amounts range from 33.50 ± 1.30mBq/L to 51.70 ± 2.20mBq/L, and 2.92 ± 0.15mBq/L to 4.51 ± 0.26mBq/L, respectively. Average radon and radium active amounts are 41.67 ± 1.54mBq/L and 3.63 ± 0.18mBq/L, respectively. Total annual effective dose values were calculated for these mineral waters according to three different scenarios. In the first of these, it was assumed that natural mineral water was consumed annually instead of 730 L of drinking water (S1). In the second case, 150 L which was the annual average amount of natural mineral water consumed in European Union member countries was used for the annual average amount of natural mineral water consumed by adults (S2). Finally, the annual average amount of natural mineral water consumed in Turkey, 14 L, was used for adults (S3). For scenarios (S1, S2, S3), the total (ingestion + inhalation) annual average dose values ranged from 6.83E-04mSv/y to 1.05E-03mSv/y, 1.40E-04mSv/y to 2.17E-04, and 1.32E-05mSv/y to 2.03E-05mSv/y, their average values were 8.49E-04mSv/y, 1.75E-04mSv/y, and 1.64E-05mSv/y, respectively. The total effective dose values calculated within the scope of the current study were below the limit value announced by WHO.