Is high indoor radon concentration correlated with specific activity of radium in nearby soil? A study in Kosovo and Metohija

Immune status of people living in the Tande-Tande sub-village (Indonesia), an area with high indoor radon concentration

On Earth, there are significant variations in terms of exposure to naturally occurring radiation among different areas. Radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is the primary cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second most prevalent cause among smokers, poses a considerable risk. Indoor radon, in particular, constitutes the most substantial source of natural radiation to which individuals are exposed. This study assessed the immune status of a population chronically exposed to high indoor radon concentration in Indonesia. Fifty-seven subjects from the Tande-Tande sub-village (high indoor radon concentration area) were compared to fifty-three participants living in the Topoyo village (low concentration area). We contrasted the immunological conditions of these two populations by measuring levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-10 in serum. Moreover, we also measured levels of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and protein kinase B in its phosphorylated (pAkt) and non-phosphorylated form (Akt) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of a subset of participants (31 from each population). TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels in Tande-Tande sub-village inhabitants were significantly lower than those in the control group living in the Topoyo village (p = 0.001, p = 0.017, and p = 0.002). The concentration of IL-10 also tended to be lower in people living in the high indoor radon concentration area, but it did not differ significantly between Tande-Tande sub-village inhabitants and Topoyo inhabitants (p = 0.106). Protein levels of NF-κB, pAkt, and Akt in Tande-Tande sub-village inhabitants also did not differ significantly between Tande-Tande sub-village inhabitants and Topoyo inhabitants (p = 0.234, p = 0.210, and p = 0.657). Similarly, activities of SOD and GPX did not differ significantly between the two populations (p = 0.569 and p = 0.949). Overall, despite their chronic exposure to high indoor radon concentrations, our study revealed no increase in the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4, SOD, and GPX in the inhabitants of Tande-Tande sub-village compared with people living in the Topoyo village. Furthermore, our study demonstrated no activation in the Akt pathway, as indicated by the pAkt/Akt ratio observed in PBMC lysates of individuals residing in the Tande-Tande sub-village.

Radon mapping, correlation study of radium, seasonal indoor radon and radon exhalation levels in communities around Ghana atomic energy commission

Radon mapping and seasonal radon studies have been carried out within the communities around the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), using ArcMap geostatistical interpolation tool. The correlation analysis was done using Pearson's correlation tools. Average seasonal indoor radon variations for C_R (rainy) and C_D (dry) with mean values ranging from 28.9 to 177.2 Bq/m³ (78.1 ± 38.7 Bq/m³) and 24.4-125.5 Bq/m³ (69.9 ± 24.2 Bq/m³). Average seasonal soil radon exhalation for E_R (rainy) and E_D (dry) with mean values ranging from 39.6 to 100.3 (68.9 ± 24.2 μBq/m² h) and 55.2 to 111.9 (77.1 ± 18.7 μBq/m² h). Radium concentrations ranged from 8.1 to 42.2 Bq/kg (21.3 ± 9.9 Bq/kg). Annual effective dose and resultant effective dose to lungs were found to be 0.9 to 2.9 (1.9 ± 0.8 mSv/yr), 2.1 to 9.2 (4.6 mSv/yr). The study recorded the highest and lowest positive correlation coefficient was found in the study with higher and lower coefficient values of 0.81 and 0.47 recorded in radium concentration with radon exhalation and indoor radon concentration within the dry season respectively. Pearson correlation result recorded values 0.81 and 0.47 as the highest and lowest positive coefficient values for the radium concentration correlation between radon exhalation and indoor radon concentration. One directional principal component was observed in radium concentration, seasonal radon exhalation, and indoor radon concentration. Two clusters originated from radium and seasonal radon concentrations present in dwellings as well as soils. Pearson's correlation results were in agreed with the principal component and cluster factor analysis. The study obtained the highest and lowest indoor radon concentrations with radon exhalation in rainy and dry seasons. Radium concentration was found to have a considerable effect on indoor radon and radon exhalation in dwellings and soils.

Radon levels and indoor air quality after application of thermal retrofit measures-a case study

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of thermal retrofit on radon levels in workrooms, and to determine whether the radon concentration in the building changes after the application of retrofit measures. In the first survey, digital Airthings Corentium Home radon detector was used for 1-month radon measurements during the heating season 2018/19. The daily averaged radon concentrations varied from 37 to 573 Bq/m³ for 10 selected workrooms, while hourly averaged radon measurements showed extreme variations from 6 to 1603 Bq/m³ due to radon fluctuations. In second survey, passive radon technique based on charcoal canister test kit was conducted in all basement workrooms in spring 2021. The averaged radon concentrations grouped according to flooring type in workrooms were 327 Bq/m³ for parquet, 227 Bq/m³ for ceramic tiles, 146 Bq/m³ for vinyl flooring and 71 Bq/m³ for laminate. Besides thermal insulation and airtight windows, noticeable differences in indoor radon concentration within the renovated building are primarily caused by different types of flooring. It includes various types of insulation from the ground/concrete slab: laminate, parquet (wood blocks), vinyl flooring, and ceramic tiles. Detailed analysis point out that laminate is more efficient way for radon protection than other types of flooring. An efficient ventilation system should be installed to avoid increasing occupational radon exposure and to provide healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

Identification of high radon dwellings, risk of exposure, and geogenic potential in the mining area of the "TREPČA" complex

This study was performed to investigate radon levels in dwellings in the mining area near the town of Kosovska Mitrovica. The Passive radon technique based on the charcoal canister test kit conducted in summer and autumn 2019 showed unexpected results. The reference level of 300 Bq/m³ for indoor radon concentration was exceeded in 15 of 26 dwellings. Preliminary measurements of gamma dose rate in some dwellings built from local stone showed values from 0.30 to 0.45 μSv/h, while 75% of measurements in dwellings with stone foundations had radon above the reference level. The highest radon concentration (22 500 ± 220 Bq/m³ ) was measured in the cellar of one family house. The RAD7 device (Durridge Company, Inc.) was used to measure radon concentrations in water and nearby soil of some dwellings. Indoor radon concentration fluctuated significantly over two days; over a one-day time scale, radon varied from 2843 ± 217 Bq/m³ at midnight to 1449 ± 104 Bq/m³ in the morning at one site, and abruptly decreased from a maximum of 2146 ± 262 Bq/m³ in one day to a minimum of 21 Bq/m³ the next day at another site. The influence of geological substrate on radon exposure was discussed through the estimation of geogenic radon potential, which varies from low the high radon index despite to high permeability of soil.

Radon gas build up using alpha scintillation cell: Experimentally and theoretically

Due to their high efficiency and speed of use, alpha scintillation cell is being increasingly utilized for detection of radon (222Rn) in soil gas. The calibration factor of the 110 A active radon cell has been addressed and thoroughly discussed. The sensitivity and the efficiency have been determined. It is found that the sensitivity and the registration efficiency of this scintillation cell (110 A active cell) are equal to 0.015895 cpm/Bq/m³, 59%. Respectively. A nuclear system was adapted to measure the accumulation of radon gas using the active scintillation cell. The growth curves of radon activity have been investigated. Radon emanation, leakage and back diffusion rates from natural occurring radioactive materials has been determined. Compatibility between practical measurements and results based on the theoretical equation were achieved.

STUDIES OF RADON LEVELS, RADIUM CONCENTRATION, AND ESTIMATED EFFECTIVE DOSE IN DWELLINGS AND SOILS IN GOLD MINING TOWNS IN ABIREM OF EASTERN REGION OF GHANA

Studies have been carried in 126 dwellings for indoor radon levels and 43 soil samples for radium and radon exhalation rate of Abirem communities in Eastern region of Ghana. The measurements were done using CR-39 and HPGe techniques. Indoor radon and mean concentration ranged from 23.8 to 125.7 Bq/m3, 54.7 ± 23.7 Bq/m3. Bedroom, kitchen, and sitting varied from 30.8 to 125.7 Bq/m3, 23.8-63.9 Bq/m3 and 23.8 to 58.4 Bq/m3. Strong and weak Pearson correlation were found between radium and radon in soil, radium and indoor radon concentration. Radium concentration and mean were found to be varied from 19.5 to 38.9 Bq/kg, 29.0 ± 16.0 Bq/kg. The radon exhalation rate and mean in soil were also found to be varied from 21.3 to 112.1 μBq/m2h, 65.1 ± 27.6 μBq/m2h. Indoor radon values and radium concentration in dwellings and soil recorded 8% and 38%, respectively, more than action proposed by WHO and UNSCEAR 2000. The estimated annual effective doses and cancer risk were less than the average values recommended by UNSCEAR and ICRP.