1
|
Guembou Shouop CJ, Beyala Ateba JF, Maya J, Mvondo S, Simo A, Ndontchueng Moyo M. 222Rn and 220Rn levels in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation assessment, and the related health implications in the U-bearing area of Poli-Cameroon. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:355. [PMID: 39083074 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02133-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
The inherent radioactivity of radon gas presents potential exposure risks to human beings through ingestion and inhalation of its radioisotopes 222Rn (radon) and 220Rn (thoron) from water sources. Recent studies have been conducted to assess radon concentrations in different environmental matrices such as water, air, and soil, due to their detrimental impact on human health. As the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and an acknowledged contributor to stomach cancer when ingested, the present study aimed to preliminarily assess radon and thoron levels in the Uranium bearing area of Poli in the Faro division of Cameroon, known for its significant U-deposits. The assessment included measuring 220, 222Rn concentrations in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation, with a specific focus on evaluating the exposure of different age groups within the local population. The radon/thoron levels in water and their related exposure and cancer risk data indicated no immediate health hazards. However, continuous monitoring and prospective measures are deemed essential due to the area's abundant U-minerals. The emanation measurements showed sparsely distributed data with a singularity at Salaki, where the equipment recorded values of 8.14 × 1012 Bqm-3 and 3.27 × 1012 Bqm-3 for radon and thoron, respectively. Moreover, radon/thoron transfer coefficients from the soil to the air indicated levels below unity. While the calculated doses suggest minimum potential risk in line with WHO and UNSCEAR guidelines, the obtained results are expected to significantly contribute to the establishment of national standards for radon levels in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation. Furthermore, these findings can play a crucial role in monitoring radon/thoron levels to ensure public health safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Felix Beyala Ateba
- National Radiation Protection Agency of Cameroon, Box 33732, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 337, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Josue Maya
- Northern Regional Office of the National Radiation Protection Agency of Cameroon, Garoua, Cameroon
| | - Stanislas Mvondo
- Northern Regional Office of the National Radiation Protection Agency of Cameroon, Garoua, Cameroon
| | - Augustin Simo
- National Radiation Protection Agency of Cameroon, Box 33732, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Maurice Ndontchueng Moyo
- UFD Mathématiques, Informatique Appliquée et Physique Fondamentale, Université de Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
- Littoral Regional Office of the National Radiation Protection Agency of Cameroon, Littoral Regional Office, Box 5331, Akwa-Douala, Cameroon
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Douala, PO Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Manono Fotso Kamgang SL, Monti MM, Salame-Alfie A. Temporal Variation in Indoor Radon Concentrations Using Environmental Public Health Tracking Data. HEALTH PHYSICS 2023; 124:342-347. [PMID: 36727680 PMCID: PMC9975051 DOI: 10.1097/hp.0000000000001671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States (US) after smoking and the number one for lung cancer in non-smokers. Understanding how indoor radon varies during the year reveals the best time to test to avoid underestimating exposure. This study looks at the temporal variation in 13 years of radon concentrations in buildings located in 46 US states and the District of Columbia (DC). In the dataset, radon concentration varies from 3.7 Bq m -3 (Becquerels per cubic meter) to 52,958.1 Bq m -3 , with an overall mean of 181.4 Bq m -3 . About 35.4% of tests have a radon concentration level equal to or greater than the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) action level 4.0 pCi L -1 (148 Bq m -3 ). 3 Temporal variation in radon concentrations was assessed using the overall monthly mean radon concentration. The highest concentrations were found in January (203.8 Bq m -3 ) and the lowest in July (129.5 Bq m -3 ). Higher monthly mean indoor radon concentrations were found in January, February, and October, and lower in July, August, and June. This result is consistent with findings from other studies and suggests continuing to encourage radon testing throughout the year with an emphasis on testing during the colder months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michele M Monti
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA
| | - Adela Salame-Alfie
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE Mailstop S106-6, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
López-Pérez M, Hernández F, Díaz JP, Salazar-Carballo PA. Determination of the indoor radon concentration in schools of Tenerife (Canary Islands): a comparative study. AIR QUALITY, ATMOSPHERE, & HEALTH 2022; 15:825-835. [PMID: 35371336 PMCID: PMC8960705 DOI: 10.1007/s11869-022-01186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A radon survey was carried out in 18 high schools located in Tenerife Island when anti-pandemic strategies were used to reduce COVID-19 dissemination during 2021. High schools were located in radon-prone areas previously identified by the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council. Our results showed that 12 high schools presented radon activities lower than 100 Bq/m3, 5 high schools presented values in the range 100-200 Bq/m3, and only 1 high school presented radon activity concentration higher than 200 Bq/m3. Such values are below the reference level (300 Bq/m3) recommended by the Spanish legislation in the Basics Document of Health Standards (section HS6) of the Technical Building Code and the European Union directive (2013/59/EURATOM). Assuming an indoor occupancy time of about 1620 h per year, the annual dose contribution due to indoor radon exposure ranged from 0.07 to 1.18 mSv/year. Comparing such result against previous values reported in the literature on the island of Tenerife, we conclude that during the pandemic situation the indoor radon concentration (median valued) was reduced from 130.9 (2007) to 73.5 (2021) Bq/m3. Finally, continuous indoor radon concentration measurements were obtained to study short-time fluctuations (intra-day changes) under different ventilation conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María López-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Física Médica y Radioactividad Ambiental, SEGAI, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Francisco Hernández
- Laboratorio de Física Médica y Radioactividad Ambiental, SEGAI, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Díaz
- Grupo de Observación de La Tierra y La Atmósfera, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Pedro A. Salazar-Carballo
- Laboratorio de Física Médica y Radioactividad Ambiental, SEGAI, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Física y Farmacología, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Smit H, Bezuidenhout J. Influence of climate and weather on the mitigation of radon exposure in two towns of the Western Cape, South Africa. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/16878507.2021.1940750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H.A.P. Smit
- Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - J. Bezuidenhout
- Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Suman G, Vinay Kumar Reddy K, Sreenath Reddy M, Gopal Reddy C, Yadagiri Reddy P. Radon and thoron levels in the dwellings of Buddonithanda: a village in the environs of proposed uranium mining site, Nalgonda district, Telangana state, India. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6199. [PMID: 33739021 PMCID: PMC7973485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85698-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of radon and thoron in the indoor atmosphere may cause the deleterious effects on the mankind. Mining sites and their environs attract a special interest in radon studies as higher levels are frequently reported in the habitats. In the present study, radon and thoron levels were measured in the dwellings of Buddonithanda, a village in the environs of proposed uranium mining site, with pin-hole (SSNTDs) dosimeters for the period of a year. The measured radon and thoron levels were found to vary widely from 14 to 675 Bq m−3 (geometric mean = 94 Bq m−3) and from 21 to 704 Bq m−3 (geometric mean = 121 Bq m−3), respectively. An attempt was made to understand the large spatial variation of these levels. The seasonal and diurnal variation studies were used in unraveling the behavior of the radioactive isotopes in indoor environment and the same was explained with the help of a simplified mathematical model. Quantification of inhalation dose due to radon and thoron was done with suitable occupancy factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Suman
- Department of Physics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - K Vinay Kumar Reddy
- Department of Physics, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, 500 075, India
| | - M Sreenath Reddy
- Department of Physics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India.
| | - Ch Gopal Reddy
- Department of Physics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - P Yadagiri Reddy
- Department of Physics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Müllerová M, Holý K, Masarik J. RESULTS OF LONG-TERM RADON MONITORING IN THE TYPICAL SLOVAK FAMILY HOUSE-A CASE STUDY. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 191:223-227. [PMID: 33123734 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This case study provides a view of the behavior of radon in an uninhabited house, the likes of which were built in thousands in Slovakia between 1950 and 1990. In one room of the house that was in contact with the subsoil, an average annual radon activity concentration (RAC) as high as 1088 Bq m-3 was found. A high radon supply to this room from the subsoil was identified in the corner of the room, and this correlated very well with the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air. In this room, an atypical annual variation of RAC was found, with a maximum in September (1600 Bq m-3). In the other rooms on the ground floor, RACs at the level of 400-500 Bq m-3 were detected. In the rooms on the first floor, RACs of up to ~200 Bq m-3 were found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Müllerová
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karol Holý
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jozef Masarik
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yousef AMM, Zimami K. Indoor radon levels, influencing factors and annual effective doses in dwellings of Al-Kharj City, Saudi Arabia. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/16878507.2019.1709727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. M. M. Yousef
- Radiology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam University, Al Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qina, Egypt
| | - K. Zimami
- Department of Radiological Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ivanova K, Stojanovska Z. Modelling of the temporal indoor radon variation in Bulgaria. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2019; 58:337-344. [PMID: 30955050 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-019-00789-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this study, temporal variations of indoor radon concentrations in Bulgaria were investigated. The radon concentrations were measured by nuclear track detectors as part of the Bulgarian National Survey, performed in the dwellings of 28 regional districts. The detectors were exposed through a year in two consecutive time periods of different lengths. For 2433 dwellings, measurements could be completed for both time periods, while for 345 dwellings they could only be completed for one of the periods. To estimate any missing radon concentrations, a temporal correction procedure was developed. This procedure, which included development of a linear correlation between the ln-transformed radon concentrations from the 9-month period [CRn(L)] and from the 3-month period [CRn(S)]. A normal distribution of the data, which is a condition for linear regression, was achieved when the ln-transformed radon concentrations were grouped by climate zone, then by regional districts, and finally by the presence/absence of a basement in the investigated building. The linear models obtained for each group showed reasonable coefficients of determination (R2 ≈ 0.50) and root mean square errors (RMSEs) of about 0.50. When these correlations were used to reconstruct radon concentrations in missing measurement periods, it turned out that the reconstructed data (for 345 dwellings) were within the 95% confidence interval of the measured data (for 2433 dwellings). The geometric means of CRn(L) and CRn(S) were 76 Bq/m3 and 100 Bq/m3, respectively, for 2433 dwellings, which are almost equal to those of 75 Bq/m3 and 98 Bq/m3, which represent the measured and reconstructed data together (for 2778 dwellings).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kremena Ivanova
- National Centre of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, 3 Sv. Georgi Sofiyski St., 1606, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Zdenka Stojanovska
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Goce Delcev University of Stip, 10-A Krste Misirkov st, 2000, Stip, Republic of Macedonia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Amoatey P, Omidvarborna H, Baawain MS, Al-Mamun A. Indoor air pollution and exposure assessment of the gulf cooperation council countries: A critical review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:491-506. [PMID: 30286426 PMCID: PMC7132391 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air pollution is one of the human health threat problems in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In these countries, due to unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as elevated ambient temperature, high relative humidity, and natural events such as dust storms, people spend a substantial amount of their time in indoor environments. In addition, production of physical and biological aerosols from air conditioners, cooking activities, burning of Arabian incense, and overcrowding due to pilgrimage programs are common causes of low quality indoor air in this region. Thus, due to infiltration of outdoor sources as well as various indoor sources, people living in the GCC countries are highly exposed to indoor air pollutants. Inhalation of indoor air pollutants causes mortalities and morbidities attributed to cardiorespiratory, pulmonary, and lung cancer diseases. Hence, the aim of this review study is to provide a summary of the major findings of indoor air pollution studies in different microenvironments in six GCC countries. These include characterization of detected indoor air pollutants, exposure concentration levels, source identifications, sustainable building designs and ventilation systems, and the mitigation strategies. To do so, >130 relevant indoor air pollution studies across the GCC countries were critically reviewed. Particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and heavy metals were identified as the reported indoor air pollutants. Apart from them, indoor Radon and bioaerosols were studied only in specific GCC countries. Thus, future studies should also focus on the investigation of emerging indoor air pollutants, such as ultrafine and nanoparticles and their associated health effects. Furthermore, studies on the mitigation of indoor air pollution through the development of advanced air purification and ventilation systems could improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) in the GCC region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Amoatey
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hamid Omidvarborna
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mahad Said Baawain
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Abdullah Al-Mamun
- Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Oman
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The CR-39 etching optimization and measurement for radon in China Jinping Underground Laboratory. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
11
|
Vimercati L, Fucilli F, Cavone D, De Maria L, Birtolo F, Ferri GM, Soleo L, Lovreglio P. Radon Levels in Indoor Environments of the University Hospital in Bari-Apulia Region Southern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15040694. [PMID: 29642436 PMCID: PMC5923736 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Since 1988, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radon among the compounds for which there is scientific evidence of carcinogenicity for humans (group 1). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a reference radon level between 100 and 300 Bq/m3 for homes. The objective of this study is to measure the radon concentrations in 401 workplaces, different from the patient rooms, in 28 different buildings of the university hospital in Bari (Apulia region, Southern Italy) to evaluate the exposure of health care workers. Radon environmental sampling is performed over two consecutive six-month periods via the use of passive dosimeters of the CR-39 type. We find an average annual radon concentration expressed as median value of 48.0 Bq/m3 (range 6.5–388.0 Bq/m3) with a significant difference between the two six-month periods (median value: February/July 41.0 Bq/m3 vs. August/January 55.0 Bq/m3). An average concentration of radon lower than the WHO reference level (100 Bq/m3) is detected in 76.1% of monitored environments, while higher than 300 Bq/m3 only in the 0.9%. Most workplaces report radon concentrations within the WHO reference level, therefore, the risk to workers’ health deriving from occupational exposure to radon can be considered to be low. Nevertheless, the goal is to achieve near-zero exposures to protect workers’ health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Fucilli
- Regional University Hospital Policlinico-Prevention and Protection Service/Health Physics-A.O.U. Consortium Policlinico di Bari, 7014 Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Francesco Birtolo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Maria Ferri
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Soleo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|