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Abbas SQ, Khan J, Riaz MT, Rafique M, Zaman A, Khan S. Radon concentration in spring water as an indicator of seismic activity: a case study of the Muzaffarabad Fault in Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:41. [PMID: 38097881 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Radon and its progenies found in water indicate the existence of seismically active faults in the region. However, exposure to high levels of radon can also result in radiation-related health risks. This study focuses on radon-based active tectonic studies along the Muzaffarabad Fault in the core of the Hazara-Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS), NW Himalayas, Pakistan. In this study, spring water samples were collected along roadside of Jhelum Valley and in close proximity to the Muzaffarabad Fault in Pakistan using Radon Thoron Monitor (RTM1688-2). The results of the study showed that the radon concentrations in the water samples ranged from 1.895 to 17.097 Bq/l. The study found that the highest radon concentration was observed in the samples collected closest to the fault, while the lowest concentration was observed in the samples collected further away. The statistical analysis between the radon concentration and the distance from the fault showed a strong inverse relationship (R2=0.73). The study also found that 68% of the sampling sites had radon concentrations that exceeded the maximum contamination level (MCL) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The higher radon concentrations in the springs water suggest the probability of earthquake, which in turn poses potential health risks for the local population. The findings suggest that the measurement of radon concentration in water can be used as a tool for identifying seismically active faults in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Qamar Abbas
- Institute of Geology University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, King Abdullah Campus, Muzaffarabad, 13100, Pakistan
| | - Jahanzeb Khan
- Institute of Geology University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, King Abdullah Campus, Muzaffarabad, 13100, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Tayyib Riaz
- Institute of Geology University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, King Abdullah Campus, Muzaffarabad, 13100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rafique
- Department of Physics, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, King Abdullah Campus, Muzaffarabad, 13100, Pakistan
| | - Ali Zaman
- Institute of Geology University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, King Abdullah Campus, Muzaffarabad, 13100, Pakistan
| | - Sajjad Khan
- Geosciences Advanced Research Labs (GARL), Geological Survey of Pakistan, Islamabad, 1461, Pakistan
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Elzain AEA. Assessment of environmental health risks due to indoor radon levels inside workplaces in Sudan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2023; 103:1394-1410. [DOI: 10.1080/03067319.2021.1873317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abd-Elmoniem A. Elzain
- Department of Physics, University of Kassala, Kassala, Sudan
- Department of Physics, College of Science and Arts in Uglat Asugour, Qassim University, Uglat Asugour, Saudi Arabia
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Internal radiation exposure from TENORM for workers conducting cleaning activities on equipment used at geothermal energy plant. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 248:114061. [PMID: 36608494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Geothermal energy is predicted to be one of the most important renewable energy sources in the near future. In geothermal energy plants, the secondary products such as the scale containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and adhering to the surface of equipment produce radiation fields. The workers who maintain and clean such equipment are at a risk to be exposed by the technically enhanced NORM (TENORM). To estimate the risks of radiation exposure to the workers, we assessed internal doses resulting from the cleaning activities on 150 heat exchanging boards used at a geothermal energy plant, focusing on 222Rn, 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra and 228Th. The experiment was performed with the subjects of workers and office workers as control, supplying prepared foods and drinks. Using the analytical results of 210Pb, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 228Th in the excretions of subjects, committed effect doses were determined. The annual internal dose for the workers with protective clothing due to the cleaning activities on removing scale, assuming the cleaning activities requires 170 h (standard monthly working time) a year, was obtained as 26 μSv/y and the total dose including 222Rn inhalation dose was calculated as 323 μSv/y. The additional dose for the cleaning workers was less than the dose limit of 20000 μSv/y for radiation workers, even less than for general population (1000 μSv/y) recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, the elevated inhalation dose for workers conducting cleaning activities may present a health hazard to workers if they deal with excessive materials containing TENORM, work for excessive time or are under inappropriate safety measures.
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Leshukov T, Larionov A, Legoshchin K, Lesin Y, Yakovleva S. The Assessment of Radon Emissions as Results of the Soil Technogenic Disturbance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9268. [PMID: 33322400 PMCID: PMC7764773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
222Rn is a specific indoor-type pollutant that represents a primary radiological hazard as a main source of ionizing radiation (IR) for humans. Coal mining creates new sources of gas that are formed over mines. This process can significantly increase the density of radon flux. Therefore, the concentration of radon in a room can increase. We investigated the territory of the Leninsk-Kuznetsky district of the Kemerovo region, which is subject to underground mining. Two groups of residential locations and measuring points of radon flux density were selected to identify the higher emanation relationship of radon and mining-affected areas. The first group (Case group) included subjects located within the territory of the underground mine; the other (Control group) included subjects in an area without mining. Radon flux density in coal mining areas was significantly higher than in the rest of the territory; moreover, the percentage of values in the Case group that had a radon flux density above 80 mBq·m-2·s-1 was 64.53%. For the Case group, 20.62% of residential buildings had a radon concentration above 200 Bq/m3. For the studied area, the radon flux density correlates positively (r = 0.79, p = 0.002) with indoor radon. Additional clastogenic/aneugenic effects are also found in dwellings with increased volume activity of radon (VAR) within the territories of underground mines. Ring chromosomes are positively correlated with radon levels in smoker groups but not in non-smokers. An increased frequency of binucleated (BN) cells with micronuclei (MN) is also positively correlated with VAR regardless of smoking status. It has been concluded that reducing the total exposure level of a population to radon can be achieved by monitoring areas with underground mines where radon is emitted heavily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timofey Leshukov
- Department of Geology and Geography, Institute of Biology, Ecology and Natural Resources, Kemerovo State University, 6 Krasnaya Street, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Aleksey Larionov
- Department of Physiology and Genetics, Institute of Biology, Ecology and Natural Resources, Kemerovo State University, 6 Krasnaya Street, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Konstantin Legoshchin
- Department of Geology and Geography, Institute of Biology, Ecology and Natural Resources, Kemerovo State University, 6 Krasnaya Street, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Yuriy Lesin
- Department of Mine Surveying and Geology, Mining Institute, T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, 28 Vesennaya street, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Svetlana Yakovleva
- Department of Ecology and Nature Management, Institute of Biology, Ecology and Natural Resources, Kemerovo State University, 6 Krasnaya Street, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
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Al Mugahed M, Bentayeb F. RADON EXHALATION FROM BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN YEMEN. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2018; 182:405-412. [PMID: 29767765 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The present article seeks to determine the annual effective doses of 222Rn exposure, effective radium content and radon exhalation rates in some building materials from the local market of Ibb province, Yemen. A total of 33 samples of building materials were collected from the target area. The radon exhalation rate and effective radium content in these samples were measured using solid-state nuclear track detector, which has become an important tool in every investigation of the radon levels in the surrounding environment. Surface exhalation rate has been found to vary from 178.90 to 1267.6 mBq m-2 h-1, whereas mass exhalation rate has been found to vary from 5.51 to 33.25 mBq kg-1 h-1. All the values of effective radium content in all samples under test were found to be quite lower than the permissible value of 370 Bq kg-1 recommended by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Annual effective doses have also been estimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Al Mugahed
- Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Farida Bentayeb
- Faculté des Sciences, Université Mohammed V-Agdal, Rabat, Morocco
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Zhukovsky M, Vasilyev A, Onishchenko A, Yarmoshenko I. REVIEW OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2018; 181:6-10. [PMID: 29897581 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Analysis includes review of 63 national and regional indoor radon surveys in kindergartens and schools. Preliminary assessment of the worldwide population weighted characteristics of radon concentration in children's institutions is: arithmetic mean = 59 and geometric mean = 36 Bq/m3. Higher indoor radon concentrations in children's institutions in comparison with the dwellings can be explained by characteristics of ventilation, attendance regime and construction features. Special protocol of measurements in the kindergartens and schools is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Zhukovsky
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, S. Kovalevskoy Street 20, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - A Vasilyev
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, S. Kovalevskoy Street 20, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - A Onishchenko
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, S. Kovalevskoy Street 20, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
| | - I Yarmoshenko
- Institute of Industrial Ecology UB RAS, S. Kovalevskoy Street 20, Ekaterinburg, Russian Federation
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Sinitsky MY, Minina VI, Gafarov NI, Asanov MA, Larionov AV, Ponasenko AV, Volobaev VP, Druzhinin VG. Assessment of DNA damage in underground coal miners using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Mutagenesis 2016; 31:669-675. [DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gew038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Larionov AV, Sinitsky MY, Druzhinin VG, Volobaev VP, Minina VI, Asanov MA, Meyer AV, Tolochko TA, Kalyuzhnaya EE. DNA excision repair and double-strand break repair gene polymorphisms and the level of chromosome aberration in children with long-term exposure to radon. Int J Radiat Biol 2016; 92:466-74. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2016.1186303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey V. Larionov
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Maxim Y. Sinitsky
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, The Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
- Laboratory of Genome Medicine, Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir G. Druzhinin
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, The Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Valentin P. Volobaev
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Varvara I. Minina
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, The Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Maxim A. Asanov
- Federal State Budget Scientific Institution, The Federal Research Center of Coal and Coal Chemistry of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Alina V. Meyer
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana A. Tolochko
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina E. Kalyuzhnaya
- Department of Genetics, Biology Faculty, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
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Druzhinin VG, Sinitsky MY, Larionov AV, Volobaev VP, Minina VI, Golovina TA. Assessing the level of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes in long-term resident children under conditions of high exposure to radon and its decay products. Mutagenesis 2015; 30:677-83. [DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gev029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Sinitsky MY, Larionov AV, Asanov MA, Druzhinin VG. Associations of DNA-repair gene polymorphisms with a genetic susceptibility to ionizing radiation in residents of areas with high radon (222Rn) concentration. Int J Radiat Biol 2015; 91:486-94. [DOI: 10.3109/09553002.2015.1012306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Sinitsky MY. The Cytokinesis-Block Micronucleus Assay on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes as a Prospective Biological Test-System to Estimate the Influence of Radon on the Human Organism: Recent Progress and Future Prospects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/ojgen.2014.41001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Malik F, Rafique M. Indoor radon monitoring near an in situ leach mining site in D G Khan, Pakistan. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2012; 32:427-437. [PMID: 23079611 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/32/4/427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon and its decay products are considered to be the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking. This is why extensive radon surveys have been carried out in many countries of the world, including Pakistan. In this context, 25 spots were selected at workplaces in the vicinity of the uranium mining site in Dera Ghazi Khan District for indoor radon measurement. For this purpose, CR-39 based radon detectors were installed at head height and were exposed to indoor radon for 60 days. After retrieval, these detectors were etched in a 6 M solution of NaOH at the temperature of 80 °C for 16 h in order to make the alpha particle tracks visible. The observed track densities were related to the indoor radon concentration using a calibration factor of 2.7 tracks cm(-2) h(-1)/kBq m(-3). The measured indoor radon concentration ranged from ∼386 ±161 to 3028 ± 57 Bq m(-3) with an average value of 1508 ± 81 Bq m(-3) in the studied areas of Dera Ghazi Khan District. The mean annual effective dose ranged from 2.22 ± 0.93 to 17.44 ± 0.33 mSv yr(-1), with an average of 8.68 ± 0.47 mSv yr(-1). The effect of the seasonal correction factor (SCF) on the annual average radon concentration has also been considered. Results of the current study show that, for the majority of the workplaces studied, indoor radon levels exceed the action levels proposed by many world organisations.
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Rafique M, Rahman SU. Exposure of population from residential radon: a case study for district Hattian, Azad Kashmir, Sub-Himalayas, Pakistan. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2012; 152:98-103. [PMID: 22940793 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncs198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Indoor air quality has acquired considerable importance in recent years. Tighter buildings with poorer ventilation systems have led towards higher levels of indoor air pollution. Radon is considered to be most significant perilous gas among the various air contaminants found in the residential environment. To determine the risk posed by residential radon exposure, a survey was carried out in the Hattian district of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. In this context, 160 houses were carefully selected for the installation of CR-39-based National Radiological Protection Board-type detectors installation. After exposing the CR-39 detectors for a period of 90 d, they were etched in 6 M chemical solution of sodium hydroxide at a temperature of 80°C for a period of 16 h. The detectors were read under an optical microscope and observed track densities were converted into the indoor radon concentration using a calibration factor of 2.7 tracks cm(-2) h(-1) per kBqm(-3). For the current study, observed radon concentrations ranged from 35 to 175 Bqm(-3), whereas the mean annual effective radon doses received by the inhabitants of the area ranged from 0.88 ± 0.12 to 4.41 ± 0.20 mSv with an average value of 2.62 ± 0.12 mSv. These reported values are less than the limits (standards) recommended by the different world organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rafique
- Department of Physics, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Muzaffarbad, 13100 Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
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Sánchez AM, Pérez JDLT, Sánchez ABR, Correa FLN. Radon in workplaces in Extremadura (Spain). JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2012; 107:86-91. [PMID: 22326021 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon measurements are usually associated with housing. However, a typical person spends about one-third of the day at their workplace. A survey was made of radon levels in workplaces in Extremadura (Spain). More than 200 measurements were performed in some 130 firms and organizations of different sectors (urban wellness centres, spas, caves, mines, water management facilities, underground carparks, wine cellars, museums, etc.). Activated charcoal canisters and track detectors were used for sampling. The results indicated the importance of performing this type of measurement because the exposure of workers can reach high values in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martín Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Elvas Avenue, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
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