Total Annual Effective Dose Research Articles

Estimation of radioactivity in soil and drinking water samples from Northern Gulbarga District of Karnataka.

The gamma activity of the radionuclides238U, 232Th and 40K were measured in surface soil samples collected from 40 villages of Aland, Afzalpur, Ganaghapur and Kamalapur talukas of Northern Gulbarga district, Karnataka. The gamma activity of natural radionuclides were measured using 4" × 4" NaI (Tl) scintillation detector, the spectrum was analysed using a PC based 1k MCA (winTMCA 32 scinti SPEC) and the 222Rn activity concentrations in drinking water were determined by the Emanometry method. The activity of 238U, 232Th and 40K was found to be in the range from 14.3±0.3 to 64.5±6.1, 15.4±0.2 to 95.0±4.1 and 21±06 to 323±09 Bqkg-1, respectively. Outdoor AED from 0.023 to 0.07 mSvy-1 and all the radiological hazards indices were well within the safe limit. The 222Rn activity in ground water is found to vary from 1.11 to 66.6 Bql-1. The total annual effective doses due to 222Rn inhalation and ingestion range from 3.02 to 181.81μSvy-1, respectively, with an average value of 77.18μSvy-1.

Radiological risk estimation from the terrestrial gamma dose rate in the seismically active Kopili Fault Zone, India

ABSTRACT Anomalies in terrestrial gamma radiation have been reported in regions of seismic activity. The Kopili Fault in India is well-known for being extremely seismically active. Several mild to moderate-magnitude earthquakes with epicentres along the Kopili Fault Zone have recently been recorded. This necessitates a measurement of variations in gamma radiation and its associated radiological risks to the population in the region in relation to seismic activities. In this work, a portable gamma survey metre was used to measure terrestrial gamma radiations in the earthquake-prone Dhekiajuli area of Sonitpur district, India, which is located in the Kopili Fault Zone. Indoor and outdoor gamma dose rates were found to be 99.4 ± 5.1–195.9 ± 5.1 nGy h−1 (geometric mean: 159.0 ± 8.8 nGy h−1) and 99.4 ± 5.1–198.8 ± 5.1 nGy h−1 (geometric mean: 132 ± 6.5 nGy h−1), respectively. The estimated total annual effective dose equivalents (geometric mean: 0.94 ± 0.05 mSv y−1) were found to be higher than the recommended global average of 0.48 mSv y−1. The excess lifetime cancer risk was also estimated by considering the life span of an individual as 70 years, which ranged from 2.4 × 10−3 to 4.8 × 10−3.

Assessment of 222Radon Concentration and Annual Effective Dose in Drinking Water in Bardarash, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The study aims to determine the concentration of radon to assess the radioactive risk in groundwater in Bardarash, Kurdistan region, Iraq, which relies on groundwater as its primary source of water. Fifty samples were collected from wells for water use and were evaluated with RAD7-active Durridge Electronic Detector. Radon concentrations ranged from 0.93±0.43 Bq/l to 11.39±1.86 Bq/l, with a mean of 7.22 Bq/l and a standard deviation of 2.5. The results were used to estimate the annual effective doses of three categories. The annual effective doses of ingestion of groundwater ranged from 14.26 to 174.61 μSv/y with an average value of 110.73 μSv/y, 19.02 to 232.81 μSv/y with an average value of 147.67 μSv/y, and 4.41 to 54.05 μSv/y with an average value of 34.27 μSv/y, for infants, children, and adults, respectively. Furthermore, the annual effective dosage obtained in inhalation ranged from 2.34 to 28.70 μSv/y, with an average of 18.20 μSv/y. The total annual effective dose ranged from 16.60 to 203.31 μSv/y with an average value of 128.93 μSv/y, 21.35 to 261.51 μSv/y with an average value of 165.84 μSv/y, and 6.76 to 82.75 μSv/y with an average value of 52.48 μSv/y for infants, children, and adults, respectively. The majority of the samples had radon concentrations and effective dosages that were less than the maximum permissible limit of 11.1 Bq/l. This indicates that the majority of the samples are drinkable and safe to consume.

Effects of Natural Radioactivity of Some Chemical and Organic Fertilizers on Gonads in Iraqi Kufa Markets

This study assessed the hazard indicators of common chemical and organic fertilizers widely available in the markets of Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The concentrations of natural radionuclides were measured in thirteen types of fertilizers by Gamma spectrum using NaI(Tl) (3*3) detector. The average radioactivity of the nuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K was (48.91, 37.04, and 702.4675) Bq.kg-1, respectively, for (Di-Aluminum Phosphate) the chemical fertilizers of the type (DAP) and the (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) chemical fertilizers of the type (NPK) the average radioactivity of the nuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were (35.78, 42.356 and 1519.653) Bq.kg-1, respectively, while the average radioactivity of the organic fertilizers (Orga.) were 55.153, 23.148 and 1451.258 for the three studied nuclei. As for the average values for radium equivalent were 155.967, 213.363, and 200.0023 (Bq.kg-1) for (DAP), (NPK) and organic fertilizers, respectively. The values of the external severity index (Hex), gamma radiation hazard index (Iγ), and representative alpha index (Iα) were within the permissible limits determined by the UNCEAR 2000. The highest value of total annual effective dose equivalent(TAED) was 1.468 mSv.y-1, the lowest value was 0.302 mSv.y-1, and the mean values were 0.722 mSv.y-1. In contrast, the highest value for annual gonadal dose equivalent(AGED) was 1392.527 μSv.y-1, the lowest value was 275.361 μSv.y-1, and the average values for all models were 672.135 μSv.y-1. The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR), the highest value was 4.039 × 10-3, the lowest value was 0.833× 10-3, and the average value was 1.988× 10-3 for all fertilizers. The Pearson correlation between radioactive variables and cluster analysis was recognized for the three types of fertilizer samples despite it not being widely accepted. The study can be considered preliminary data for subsequent studies.

222Rn in selected waters sources from Quang Nam - Da Nang region - Central part of Vietnam

This paper presents the radon concentrations of forty-eight samples collected from lakes, streams and rivers as surface water, from dug well as ground water and from boreholes and thermal waters as underground waters in the Da Nang – Quang Nam, central part of Vietnam. The measured radon concentrations varied from 0.265 (in lake water) to 107 Bq L−1 (in underground water) with the following trend from the lowest to the highest: 222Rn in lakes<222Rn in rivers<222Rn in stream<222Rn in dug wells<222Rn in thermal waters<222Rn in drilled wells. Overall, the average 222Rn concentration in groundwater is twelve times higher than that in the surface water.Assuming that each person drinks 2.10−3 m3 d−1 and uses six cubic meters for washing purposes per month, the estimated total annual effective dose due to ingestion and inhalation of radon from the studied water samples ranges from 1.3 to 541 μSv y−1 for adults; from 1.2 to 479 μSv y−1 for children; and from 2.1 to 838 μSv y−1 for infants.

Evaluation of the Radon Levels in the Groundwater Wells of Qatar: Radiological Risk Assessment

The objective of this work is to give a holistic overview of the groundwater quality in Qatar in terms of its radon levels and provide a radiological risk assessment of elevated radon levels on human health. This study covered the analysis of groundwater collected from various locations throughout Qatar and maps using ArcGIS followed by a radiological risk assessment of radon in Qatar. There is no extensive study reported to investigate radon activity levels in groundwater across Qatar and their health effects. The radon level measurements of the Qatari groundwater ranged between 2.7 ± 0.2 and 60.7 ± 13.4 Bq/L with a mean value of 20.6 Bq/L, which is greater than the US EPA’s maximum contamination level (11 Bq/L). About 65% of the studied samples exceeded the US EPA’s MCL guidelines. The mean total annual effective dose due to radon inhalation and ingestion was 0.056 mSv/y, which is below the WHO reference level of 0.1 mSv/y. The radon radiological risk study through inhalation and ingestion clearly revealed that the contribution of the inhalation dose was higher than the ingestion dose.

Age-dependent Radiological Risk Assessment of Radon (222Rn) in Samples of Commercial Bottled Water from Benin City, Nigeria

Radon inhalation as well as ingestion through the use of water has a high potential of causing serious harm to sensitive cells and organs of the body when absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the radiological health damage caused by radon in drinking bottled water available in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Radon concentration was measured using a RAD7 electronic radon detector. The mean activity concentration radon is 137.18 ± 0.25 mBq/L. This mean value is slightly higher than 0.1 Bq/L recommended by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria but lower than the maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/L set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and 100 Bq/L set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for consumption of radon in drinking water. The mean total annual effective dose is 1.07±1.91 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for infants, 0.61±1.09 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for children, and 0.70±1.24 (\(\mu\)Sv/y) for adults. The computed annual effective dose to the public by inhalation and ingestion radon through the use of bottled water in the study areas are lower than the 0.1 mSv/y limit recommended by WHO. The estimated average for the age group excess lifetime cancer risk are 3.21 ± 5.71, 1.836 ± 3.26, 2.086 ± 3.71 (x 10-6) for infants, children and adults respectively. These values are below the world average permissible levels. Hence, consumption of the water examined poses no serious health risk to consumers.

Evaluation of potential radiological hazards of unfired construction materials containing fly ash in Vietnam.

In this study, the specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the unfired construction materials (solid card bricks, 4-hole bricks, pavement bricks) containing fly ashand bottom ash from a coal-fired thermal power plant in Vietnam were measured using the low-level gamma-ray spectrometer with HPGe detector. Also, the 222Rn concentrations in these materials were analyzed using RAD7 radon monitor and then radon mass exhalation rate and emanation fraction of these materials were calculated. The potential radiological hazards for residents living in the model room made of these materials were evaluated. The average specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found as 67.7, 79.3 and 703.5Bqkg-1, respectively. The total annual effective dose (due to external gamma exposure and internal radon exposure for resident living in the CEN model room made of the unfired brick samples) was found as 0.9mSvy-1 which is lower than the worldwide average dose of 2.4mSvy-1. Calculations from ResRad-Build code showed that the doses due to radon exposure account for from 62.3% (at the first year) to 98.8% (at the next 30years) of the total gamma and radon dose. Under low air exchange to the outside environment, from the 6th year onwards, the total dose may exceed the average dose value from natural radiation exposure sources.

A study of radon, thoron and annual effective dose in some Egyptian dwellings by twin-cup dosimeter technique with LR-115 detectors

In the present study, Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (LR-115–type II) based twin-cup dosimeters were used for estimating radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) gas concentration levels in the environmental air of thirty dwellings in ten cities in Egypt. In the studied dwellings radon concentration levels were found to vary from 24.80 ± 3.98 to 39.71 ± 8.71 Bq m−3 with an average of 32.64 ± 4.34 Bq m−3 whereas thoron concentration is found to vary from 10.46 ± 2.87 to 15.41 ± 2.72 Bq m−3 with an average of 12.48 ± 1.58 Bq m−3. The total annual effective dose by the inhabitants of these dwellings due to radon and thoron was found below the recommended limit by the international agencies. The present study concluded that the dwellings are safe without posing significant radiological threats to human beings.

Internal radiation exposure from 137Cs and its association with the dietary habits of residents from areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, Ukraine: 2016-2018.

The total annual effective dose has steadily decreased since the fallout of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. However, chronic internal exposure to 137Cs still persists and fluctuates in a complex and unpredictable manner. Recently, body contamination was found to primarily occur owing to the intake of forest foodstuffs that contain long-lived 137Cs. Forest foodstuffs may have up to 100 times higher concentration of cesium than does local milk and meat. The present study aimed to investigate the recent dietary habits of residents in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, and assess the effect of the intake of forest foodstuffs on the increase in internal radioactivity from 137Cs. We screened 1,612 participants, from July 2016 to February 2018 for internal radioactivity, using whole-body counter at Korosten Medical Center and surveyed their background and intake habits. We analyzed the association among food type, intake frequency, and internal exposure dose. The analysis revealed that nearly 90% of the participants regularly consumed one of the forest foodstuffs (mushrooms, berries, fish) or milk. Nearly 80% of the participants indicated that they consumed mushrooms or berries or both. Internal radioactivity was detected in 30% of the participants. The diet that included mushrooms exhibited the highest internal radioactivity. The lowest Bq/kg concentration was observed in the only-berry group, following the no-intake group. There was a significant correlation between the intake frequency and the magnitude of Bq/kg. Radioactivity detected in the mushroom-berry and only-mushroom group were 8.6 and 9.2 Bq/kg, respectively. The lowest and highest intake frequency showed a radioactivity of 2.4 and 7.5 Bq/kg, respectively. Radioactivity in the winter season was significantly higher than that in other seasons. In conclusion, our study revealed that internal radioactivity varies depending on the type of food, intake frequency, and season.

Assessment of Radium Equivalent Activity and Total Annual Effective Dose in Cassava cultivated around Ewekoro Cement Factory

In this study, cassava tubers cultivated in the Ewekoro cement area were investigated with the aid of Hyper Pure Germanium (HPGe) detector in order to assess the radionuclide content. Twenty-seven (27) samples of both arable soil and cassava tubers were studied at different sites to the epicenter of the mining activity. The results revealed the highest activity concentrations of K-40, Ra-226, and Th-232 to be 194.10, 63.92, and 76.90 Bq/kg, respectively, in soil to be at site 1, which was 50 m away from the cement mining site. Similarly, cassava reported the highest activity concentrations of 228.15 and 81.50 Bq/kg for K-40 and Ra-226, respectively, at sites 2, which was 150 m away from the mining site. However, the highest value of Th-232 in cassava was noted in site 1. Also, the highest values of Raeq for arable soil and cassava tubers were estimated to be 188.84 Bq/kg and 199.89 Bq/kg at site 1 and site 2, respectively. All the above results were higher than the recommended safe limits by a factor of 2. Moreover, the Total Annual Effective Dose of exposure by oral ingestion of cassava tubers for different age groups revealed children to have the highest level of exposure with the highest mean value of 7.98 mSv. This is followed by adults and infants, which reported 5.66 and 5.38 mSv, respectively, all at site 2. This result is far greater than the recommended safe limits of 1 mSv. Therefore, the results of the total averages of annual effective doses due to consumption of the three natural radionuclides in cassava tubers and other products from it by adults, children, and infants were found to be above the average annual ingestion radiation dose due to natural sources. Further statistical analysis of the results showed significant differences between sites 1 and 2 and between sites 1 and 3, where there was no statistically significant difference between sites 2 and 3.

ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIONUCLIDES IN SOIL SAMPLES FROM MICHIKA, ADAMAWA, STATE NIGERIA

Naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment constitute about 85% of public exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation. These radionuclides can be found in sands,clays, soils and rocks, and many ores and minerals, commodities, recycled residues, and other appliances used by humans. There is therefore the need to assess the occurrence of natural radionuclides in Soil Samples from Michika, Adamawa State Nigeria. Forty-six (46) soil samples were collected across different location in Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Gamma ray spectroscopy was used for the analysis. The results obtained show that the mean activity concentration for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K are 81.27, 101.28 and 324.79 Bq/kg respectively. These values are higher than the control value of 35,30 and 35 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K set by UNSCEAR. The absorbed dose rate (D) ranges from 60.77 to 248.65 nGy/h, which is above the maximum UNSCEAR accepted value of 59nGy/h. The values of total annual effective dose lie between 0.08 and 0.31 mSv y-1 with mean value of 0.14mSv y-1. Also, the mean values of Radium Equivalent Activity were 251.11 Bq/kg. Almost all the value of Raeq were below the maximum recommended value. The mean value of total cancer risk range from 3.28E-6 to 1.3E-5 with mean value of 5.93E-6. All the mean values were above the acceptable range. It can be concluded that the soil is radiologically unsafe for human and animal use. Continuous radiological monitoring of the soil is recommended to safeguard the health of the populace.

Radon-Specific Activity in Drinking Water and Radiological Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study

In this paper, the evaluation of the Rn-222 radioactivity content in drinking water samples from the Calabria region, southern Italy, is reported as a case study. The Rn-222-specific activity in the analyzed groundwater samples for human use was evaluated by using the PerkinElmer Tricarb 4910 TR setup and compared with the parameter value (100 Bq L−1) reported in the reference Italian legislation, i.e., D.Lgs. 28/2016, derived from the European Directive 2013/51/Euratom. The radiological health risk for the population of the investigated area, due to the ingestion and inhalation of Rn-222 dissolved in water, was then evaluated by calculating the total annual effective dose, only in those cases where the parameter value was exceeded. The obtained results represent a main reference for the investigated area and are useful for determining any possible radiological health risk for human beings related to the ingestion of the investigated radionuclide. Moreover, they can also be used as a baseline for future investigations regarding background radioactivity levels.

RADON MEASUREMENT IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF THAILAND

Indoor radon concentration plays a vital role in the total annual effective dose due to internal radiation exposure. This research investigated the radon gas found in concrete, which consists of rocks, sand, and cement. It can be found in most houses and buildings in Thailand to evaluate the possible residents’ health hazards. Radon was measured using an ionization chamber detector (ATMOS 12 DPX), and the values of the radon concentration, radon exhalation rate, and annual effective dose were calculated. This study collected concrete samples from Loei, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces in the northeastern region of Thailand. The radon concentration in the concrete samples varied from 22.00 ± 4.00 to 110.00 ± 8.00 Bq⸱m-3, with an average of 56.77 ± 5.77 Bq⸱m-3. These values were below the guideline level of 148 Bq⸱m-3, recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The radon exhalation rate varies from 4.20 ± 0.84 to 55.07 ± 4.00 Bq⸱kg-1⸱h-1, with an average of 15.47 ± 1.68 mBq⸱kg-1⸱h-1. The annual effective dose ranges from 0.57 ± 0.10 to 2.89 ± 0.21 mSv⸱y-1, with an average of 1.47 ± 0.15 mSv⸱y-1. The International Commission recommends the dose limit of 1 mSv⸱y-1 for public exposure on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

Natural Radioactivity for some Types of Date in Al-Qasim Subdistrict, Babylon Governorate

The aim of the present study is to assess some radiological hazard risk parameters such as the annual effective dose (AED), Fatal Cancer Risk (FCR), Hereditary Cancer Risk (HCR), radium equivalent (Raeq), and Internal hazard index (Hin) due to specific activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in some samples of date in Al-Qasim subdistrict, Babylon governorate. The specific activity was measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy with NaI(Tl) doctor. The average values of the specific activity in unit Bq/kg for 238U, 232Th, and 40K were 10.83 ±1.22, 4.94 ±0.80, and 341.36 ±15.25, respectively. While, the average values of total AED, FCR×10-3, HCR×10-3, Raeq, and Hin were 0.210±0.018 mSv/y, 0.737±0.064, 0.198±0.008, 44.18±3.10 Bq/kg, and 0.148±0.011, respectively. The results show that, all values of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were lower than the global limit according to UNSCEAR 2008 (33 Bq/kg, 45 Bq/kg, and 420 Bq/kg), except two samples have 40K higher than global limit. these because increasing used chemical fertilizers by peasants. Also, it is found that all values of the radiological hazard risk parameters in the present study were lower than global limit according to UNSCEAR, ICRP, OECD, etc. So, it was concluded that the date samples in the present study does not cause any danger to the human health when its consumption.

Determination of Radon Radiation Concentration in Groundwater for Some Wells of Baghdad City

The Radon level was measured in (17) groundwater samples collected from Baghdad city/ Iraq and two samples from Tigris and Dyala River. The measurements were performed by RAD7 an electronic radon detector manufactured by Durridge Company Inc. The concentrations of radon (226Ra) ranged from 0.3 to 2 (Bq/L). Radon concentrations from all the villages/towns were well below the was lower than WHO and EPA standard limits recommended by USEPA, UNSCEAR, EU Council and WHO. The total annual effective doses ranges from 1.64to 10.95 μSv.y-1 were less than 0.1mSv.y-1 which Recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study also examined the relationship between the total dissolved solids (TDS) and the concentration of Radon-222 and it shows the absence of any linear relationship between the variables and concentrations Radon.

Assessment of annual effective dose from radionuclides in paint materials using High Purity Germanium detector

ABSTRACT The main focus of this study is to investigate the radioactivity concentration, and the hazardous effects of using paint materials for decorative purposes which are available on the market. The gamma radiation from these collected paint samples is detected by using the High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. A total of 20 samples from four brands and five different colours of each brand were collected for this experiment. From this study, the activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in paint samples were found to be varied from 2.20 ± 0.98 to 60.22 ± 7.37 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 20.88 ± 4.05 Bq kg−1, 8.01 ± 3.54 to 87.07 ± 7.68 Bq kg−1 with an average value 28.19 ± 7.70 Bq kg−1 and 21.98 ± 19.39 to 517.92 ± 47.08 Bq kg−1 with an average value 221.70 ± 32.06 Bq kg−1, respectively. The total annual effective dose rate ranges from 0.04 to 0.25 mSvy−1 with an average of 0.15 mSvy−1.

Determination of Radionuclides Concentrations in Surface Soil Samples in the District of Bandirma, Balıkesir

Determination of the environmental radioactivity concentration value is very important as it directly effects human health. Natural and artificial radionuclide concentration levels have been determined by looking 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radionuclides. In this study, natural and artificial continental radionuclide concentrations were measured in the Bandirma district of Balikesir. 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs radioactivity concentrations were detected with the aid of a high-purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Soil samples used in the study were selected from 30 different locations sampling points located in Bandirma. The radiological hazard indices such as absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), exposure dose (ER), total annual effective dose (AED), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), internal hazard index (Hin), external hazard index (Hex) and gamma representative level (GRL) were determined. The mean values of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs concentrations in this study were 15.81 ± 1.35 Bq kg−1, 28.86 ± 1.07 Bq kg−1, 276.86 ± 11.69 Bq kg−1, and 1.98 ± 0.31 Bq kg−1 respectively. The calculated radiological hazard parameters were compared with the world averages. The obtained radioactivity concentration values were measured to be below the world average.

A study on measuring the 222Rn in the Buriganga River and tap water of the megacity Dhaka.

Radon (222Rn), an inert gas, is considered a silent killer due to its carcinogenic characteristics. Dhaka city is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River, which is regarded as the lifeline of Dhaka city because it serves as a significant source of the city's water supply for domestic and industrial purposes. Thirty water samples (10 tap water from Dhaka city and 20 surface samples from the Buriganga River) were collected and analyzed using a RAD H2O accessory for 222Rn concentration. The average 222Rn concentration in tap and river water was 1.54 ± 0.38 Bq/L and 0.68 ± 0.29 Bq/L, respectively. All the values were found below the maximum contamination limit (MCL) of 11.1 Bq/L set by the USEPA, the WHO-recommended safe limit of 100 Bq/L, and the UNSCEAR suggested range of 4-40 Bq/L. The mean values of the total annual effective doses due to inhalation and ingestion were calculated to be 9.77 μSv/y and 4.29 μSv/y for tap water and river water, respectively. Although all these values were well below the permissible limit of 100 μSv/y proposed by WHO, they cannot be neglected because of the hazardous nature of 222Rn, especially considering their entry to the human body via inhalation and ingestion pathways. The obtained data may serve as a reference for future 222Rn-related works.

Assessment of internal radiation exposure caused by radon in commercially bottled spring waters consumed in Turkey

ABSTRACT The variation of dissolved radon levels in water supplies remains of interest since radon ingested through drinking water can give considerable radiation to the lining of the stomach. This study aims to determine the radon concentration levels in bottled spring drinking water (BSW) brands commercially sold in Turkey using a radon gas monitor and to assess the internal radiation exposure caused by the ingestion and inhalation of radon. The activity concentrations of radon analyzed in 77 BSW brands varied from 7.1±0.8 to 28.7±2.7 mBq/L with an average of 15.7±5.1 mBq/L. The total annual effective dose was estimated to assess the radiological risk for three age groups in four different scenarios based on annual drinking water intake. All estimated dose values are well below the recommended reference dose of 100 µSv for drinking water. Therefore, radon gas in the investigated BSW samples poses no significant radiological risk to the public.