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Sondzo JS, Dallou GB, Meye PO, Diahou RRCM, Biona CB, Kranrod C, Omori Y, Hosoda M, Saïdou, Tokonami S. Simultaneous measurements of radon, thoron and thoron progeny and induced cancer risk assessment in Djeno, Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2024; 200:437-447. [PMID: 38226499 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the activity concentrations of radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and thoron progeny were measured simultaneously in Djeno (Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo) using RADUET detectors to evaluate the air quality and the radiological risks due to the inhalation of these radionuclides. Activity concentrations of radon progeny were calculated from those of radon. Indoor radon, thoron and progenies followed a lognormal distribution ranging between 20 and 40, 6 and 62, 8 and 17.6 and 0.4 and 19.6 Bq m-3 for radon, thoron, radon progeny and thoron progeny, respectively. Mean values for radon were lower than the worldwide values estimated by the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), which are 40 Bq m-3 (arithmetic mean) and 45 Bq m-3 (geometric mean). Radon concentrations in the dwellings under study were below the World Health Organization and the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended reference levels, which are, respectively, 100 and 300 Bq m-3. The mean concentration of thoron was twice the world average value of 10 Bq m-3 estimated by UNSCEAR. Thoron progeny mean concentration was sharply greater than the typical value (0.3 Bq m-3) for indoor atmosphere provided by UNSCEAR. Annual effective dose ranges were 0.40-0.87 mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.57 ± 0.11 mSv) for radon and 0.10-4.14 mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.55 ± 0.77 mSv) for thoron. The mean value for radon was lower than the value (1.15 mSv) estimated by UNSCEAR, while the mean value for thoron was five times higher than the UNSCEAR value (0.10 mSv). The study showed that the use of the typical equilibrium factor value given by UNSCEAR to compute effective dose led to an error above 80%. Finally, the results of this study showed that the excess relative risk of radon-induced cancer was low, below 2% for the population under 55 y. The results presented in the present study prove that the population of Djeno is exposed to a relatively low potential risk of radon- and thoron-induced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jucit Sem Sondzo
- Marien Ngouabi University, Faculty of Science et Technology, BP 69 Brazzaville, Congo
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Applications (LPNA), National Institute for Research in Exact et Natural Sciences (IRSEN), P.O. Box 2400 Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Guy Blanchard Dallou
- Marien Ngouabi University, Faculty of Science et Technology, BP 69 Brazzaville, Congo
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Applications (LPNA), National Institute for Research in Exact et Natural Sciences (IRSEN), P.O. Box 2400 Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Philippe Ondo Meye
- General Directorate of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources, BP 1172 Libreville, Gabon
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Russel Rolphe Caroll Moubakou Diahou
- Marien Ngouabi University, Faculty of Science et Technology, BP 69 Brazzaville, Congo
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Applications (LPNA), National Institute for Research in Exact et Natural Sciences (IRSEN), P.O. Box 2400 Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Clobite Bouka Biona
- Marien Ngouabi University, Faculty of Science et Technology, BP 69 Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Chutima Kranrod
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Omori
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hosoda
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
- Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Saïdou
- Research Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, Institute of Geological and Mining Research, P.O. Box 4110 Yaounde, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Nuclear Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P.O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Department of Radiation Physics, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1, Hon-cho, Hirosaki-shi, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
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Dosh RJ, Abojassim AA. Assessment of radiological risk associated with thoron gas at primary schools in Al-Najaf city, Iraq. Appl Radiat Isot 2024; 205:111154. [PMID: 38142543 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.111154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Children spend considerable time at home and school, so school is likely to be a second source of natural radionuclide exposure after home. This study evaluates the radiological risk associated with thoron gas in the air within the building of one hundred primary schools in Al-Najaf City, Iraq, using a CR-39 detector. The results of the average value of thoron concentration detector, the annual effective dose (AED), Excessive Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) × 10-3, and Lung Cancer Case (LCC) × 10-9 measured in the building of the schools were 7.47 ± 2.85 Bq/m3, 0.03 ± 0.01 mSv/y, 0.11 ± 0.04, and 0.54 ± 0.20, respectively. All the results of indoor thoron were below the global average limit. The results of the radiological survey due to thoron concentrations for studied primary schools suggest that the radionuclides and their radiological hazard indexes in all studied schools in AL Najaf city, Iraq, do not impose a health hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rukia Jaber Dosh
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Al-Najaf, Iraq
| | - Ali Abid Abojassim
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Kufa, Al-Najaf, Iraq.
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Adelikhah M, Imani M, Kovács T. Development of a thoron calibration chamber based on computational fluid dynamics simulation and validation with measurements. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13611. [PMID: 37604958 PMCID: PMC10442380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, interest in measuring the concentration of 220Rn in air has increased greatly following the development of standards and the calibration of monitoring instruments. In this study, a 220Rn calibration chamber was designed and developed at the Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology (RRI) based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method implemented in ANSYS Fluent 2020 R1 code at the University of Pannonia in Hungary. The behavior of 220Rn and its spatial distribution inside the 220Rn calibration chamber at RRI were investigated at different flow rates. The 220Rn concentration was close to homogeneous under higher flow regimes due to thorough mixing of the gas inside the chamber. Predictions based on CFD simulations were compared with experimentally measured transmission factors (Cout/Cin). The spatial distribution of 220Rn was dependent on the flow rate and the positions of the inlet and outlet. Our results clearly demonstrate the suitability of the 220Rn calibration chamber at RRI for calibrating monitoring instruments. Furthermore, the CFD-based predictions were in good agreement with the results obtained at higher flow rates using experimental and analytical models according to the relative deviation, with a maximum of approximately 9%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammademad Adelikhah
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology; Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary
| | - Morteza Imani
- Engineering Department, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology; Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary.
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4
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Voltattorni N, Gasparini A, Galli G. The Analysis of 222Rn and 220Rn Natural Radioactivity for Local Hazard Estimation: The Case Study of Cerveteri (Central Italy). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6420. [PMID: 37510652 PMCID: PMC10378882 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Radon (222Rn) is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking. As radon poses a significant risk to human health, radon-affected areas should be identified to ensure people's awareness of risk and remediation. The primary goal of this research was to investigate the local natural radioactivity (in soils, groundwater, and indoors) because of the presence of tuff outcrops (from middle-lower Pleistocene volcanic activity) that naturally produce radioactive gas radon at Cerveteri (Rome, Central Italy). The results of the radon survey highlighted moderate (>16,000 Bq/m3) but localized anomalies in soils in correspondence with a funerary site pertaining to the Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri, which extends over a volcanic rock plateau. Indoor radon measurements were performed at several tuff-made dwellings, and the results showed medium-low (<200 Bq/m3) values of indoor radon except for some cases exceeding the reference level (>300 Bq/m3) recommended by the 2013/59 Euratom Directive. Although no clinical data exist regarding the health effects of thoron (220Rn) on humans, the study of 220Rn average activity concentration in the soil gas survey reveals new insights for the interpretation of radon sources that can affect dwellings, even taking into account the considerable difference in the half-lives of 222Rn and 220Rn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Voltattorni
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Gasparini
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Galli
- Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Via di Vigna Murata 605, 00143 Rome, Italy
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Liu S, Hu T, Lin F, Fan Z, Xie R, Yuan S, Wu J, Yi H, Mo Y, Sun J, Chen L, Li H, Liu Z, Zhang X, Yuan H, Tan Y. A new model to accurately measure the radon exhalation rate from soil using AlphaGUARD. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 266-267:107226. [PMID: 37418812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Radon exhalation rate from soil is a critical factor in evaluating environmental radon levels. However, AlphaGUARD PQ2000PRO may have some sensitivity towards thoron, which can have a significant impact on radon measurement. The traditional radon exhalation models generally ignore the presence of thoron, leading to an overestimation of the radon exhalation rate from soil. To handle this issue, a new model was proposed based on an analysis of several previous studies on radon exhalation theories. To prove the feasibility of the model, the radon exhalation rate measurements were performed by two different types of detectors-AlphaGUARD PQ2000PRO and RAD7. The radon exhalation rate obtained by using the new model is in good agreement with that obtained by using the theoretical model of radon exhalation of RAD7 within one standard error. This new model can be applied to accurately measure radon exhalation rate from soil by the PIC detector (PQ2000PRO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaibin Liu
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Tao Hu
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Fen Lin
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Zhongkai Fan
- School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421001, China
| | - Ruomei Xie
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Jiulin Wu
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Haibo Yi
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Yixiang Mo
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Jiale Sun
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Linquan Chen
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Huiying Li
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Zhipeng Liu
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Hongzhi Yuan
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China
| | - Yanliang Tan
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan Province, 421008, China.
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6
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Chaudhury D, Sen U, Biswas S, Shenoy P S, Bose B. Assessment of Threshold Dose of Thoron Inhalation and Its Biological Effects by Mimicking the Radiation Doses in Monazite Placer Deposits Corresponding to the Normal, Medium and Very High Natural Background Radiation Areas. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:2927-2941. [PMID: 36048359 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03398-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The dose contributed from thoron (220Rn) and its progeny has been neglected in the dose assessment because of its short half-life (t1/2 = 55.6 s) and generally low concentrations. Recently, concentrations of 220Rn gas and its progeny were found to be pronounced in the traditional residential dwellings in China, on beaches of India and in other countries. Accordingly, we investigated the biological effects of thoron (220Rn) decay products in various mouse organs, succeeding inhalation of thoron gas in BALB/c mouse. We investigated the biological effects upon thoron inhalation on mouse organs with a focus on oxidative stress. These mice were divided into (4 random groups): sham inhalation, thoron inhalation for 1, 4 and 10 days. Various tissues (lung, liver and kidney) were then collected after the time points and subjected to various biochemical analyses. Immediately after inhalation, mouse tissues were excised for gamma spectrometry and 72 h post inhalation for biochemical assays. The gamma spectrometry counts and its subsequent calculation of the equivalent dose showed varied distribution in the lung, liver and kidney. Our results suggest that acute thoron inhalation showed a differential effect on the antioxidant function and exerted pathophysiological alterations via oxidative stress in organs at a higher dose. These findings suggested that thoron inhalation could alter the redox state in organs; however, its characteristics were dependent on the total redox system of the organs as well as the thoron concentration and inhalation time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debajit Chaudhury
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Utsav Sen
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Siddhartha Biswas
- Department of Onco-Pathology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India
| | - Sudheer Shenoy P
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
| | - Bipasha Bose
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Derlakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, 575018, India.
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7
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Barba-Lobo A, Gutiérrez-Álvarez I, San Miguel EG, Bolívar JP. A methodology to determine 212Pb, 212Bi, 214Pb and 214Bi in atmospheric aerosols; Application to precisely obtain aerosol residence times and Rn-daughters' equilibrium factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130521. [PMID: 36463739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Progeny of 222Rn and 220Rn, (212Pb, 212Bi, 214Pb and 214Bi) are essential to assess radiological hazard, external and internal doses, residence times and equilibrium factors. Precise measurements of these nuclides are quite complex due to their very short half-lives. This study outlines a new and precise methodology to measure these nuclides. Radon-222 and 220Rn were measured using a radon monitoring system, while their respective progenies were collected in an atmospheric filter using an ASS-500 sampler and measured by gamma-ray spectrometry. The 212Pb concentrations were very similar to the thoron ones, where all 212Bi/212Pb ratios were consistently less than 1. The relative uncertainties, σr, of the 212Pb and 212Bi activity concentrations, and 212Bi/212Pb activity ratio are generally less than 10%. Moreover, 214Pb/222Rn ratios were about 0.7, agreeing well with previous works. The σr for 214Pb, 214Bi and 214Bi/214Pb were generally less than 6%. This methodology was applied to estimate aerosol residence times using the 214Pb/222Rn and 212Bi/212Pb activity ratios, and to obtain equilibrium factors, achieving consistent results. Furthermore, the methodology consistency and validity range were studied with time elapsed between sampling end and counting start, and the sampling durations, finding the optimum times to precisely determine 212Pb, 212Bi, 214Pb and 214Bi.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Barba-Lobo
- Radiation Physics and Environment Group (FRYMA), Department of Integrated Sciences, Center for Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain.
| | - I Gutiérrez-Álvarez
- Radiation Physics and Environment Group (FRYMA), Department of Integrated Sciences, Center for Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - E G San Miguel
- Radiation Physics and Environment Group (FRYMA), Department of Integrated Sciences, Center for Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
| | - J P Bolívar
- Radiation Physics and Environment Group (FRYMA), Department of Integrated Sciences, Center for Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), University of Huelva, 21007 Huelva, Spain
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Agarwal TK, Mishra R, Sapra BK. A CFD-based approach to study the deposition and distribution behaviour of 212Pb in a calibration chamber. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:46950-46959. [PMID: 36735138 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Among the several aspects of decay products behavior, deposition is of special significance because of its prominent role in the activity removal from the environment, which eventually results in the occurrence of decay product disequilibrium with the parent gas. This point is particularly important in case of thoron dosimetry where thoron progeny 212Pb accounts for the most of the radiological dose. The deposition depends on the size distribution of decay products and the structure of air turbulence at the air-surface interface. In the present work, the effect of varying air-flow (fan speed) and aerosol count median diameter (CMD) was studied on the deposition and distribution profile of 212Pb using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The simulations have been carried out in a cubical calibration chamber of volume 8 m3, facilitated at RP&AD, BARC. Simulated results showed that the increase of total depositional loss rate of attached fraction of 212Pb due to increase of the fan speed was significant for CMD up to 400 nm, beyond which this effect started becoming less prominent with increasing diameter. Besides, a minimum of the total depositional loss rate curve was seen to be shifted to the higher CMD with increase of the fan speed. CFD results were found to be in good agreement with experimental observations obtained in the controlled conditions with thoron source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Kumar Agarwal
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India. .,Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India. .,Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, Bahadurgarh, Haryana, 124505, India.
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.,Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Balvinder Kaur Sapra
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, 400094, India.,Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
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9
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Kataoka T, Ishida T, Naoe S, Kanzaki N, Sakoda A, Tanaka H, Mitsunobu F, Yamaoka K. Potential inhibitory effects of low-dose thoron inhalation and ascorbic acid administration on alcohol-induced hepatopathy in mice. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2022; 63:719-729. [PMID: 35818298 PMCID: PMC9494542 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrac046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although thoron inhalation exerts antioxidative effects in several organs, there are no reports on whether it inhibits oxidative stress-induced damage. In this study, we examined the combined effects of thoron inhalation and ascorbic acid (AA) administration on alcohol-induced liver damage. Mice were subjected to thoron inhalation at 500 or 2000 Bq/m3 and were administered 50% ethanol (alcohol) and 300 mg/kg AA. Results showed that although alcohol administration increased the levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in the serum, the combination of thoron inhalation (500 Bq/m3) and AA administration 24 h after alcohol administration effectively inhibited alcohol-induced liver damage. The combination of thoron inhalation (500 Bq/m3) and AA administration 24 h after alcohol administration increased catalase (CAT) activity. Alcohol administration significantly decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver. The GSH content in the liver after 2000 Bq/m3 thoron inhalation was lower than that after 500 Bq/m3 thoron inhalation. These findings suggest that the combination of thoron inhalation at 500 Bq/m3 and AA administration has positive effects on the recovery from alcohol-induced liver damage. The results also suggested that thoron inhalation at 500 Bq/m3 was more effective than that at 2000 Bq/m3, possibly because of the decrease in GSH content in the liver. In conclusion, the combination of thoron inhalation at 500 Bq/m3 and AA administration promoted an early recovery from alcohol-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Kataoka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ishida
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shota Naoe
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Norie Kanzaki
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakoda
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tanaka
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Mitsunobu
- Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama-shi, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Yamaoka
- Corresponding author. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 51 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan. Phone: +81-86-235-6852; E-mail:
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10
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Lewicka S, Piotrowska B, Łukaszek-Chmielewska A, Drzymała T. Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements Used as Building Materials in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11695. [PMID: 36141963 PMCID: PMC9517136 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been analyzed in this article the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Poland and available on the Polish market. The radiological hazard parameters are, in particular, absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, the external hazard index, and the gamma and alpha indices. The radionuclide activities of the most important radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectrometry with the use of two kinds of spectrometers of different operational parameters. One performed also measurements on 30-day and 45-day aged samples as to verify if there is a statistically significant difference in radioactivity concentration for shorter and longer aging time. The radioactivity concentrations in the cement samples ranged from 21.7-75.7 Bq·kg-1 for 226Ra, 12.3-47.3 Bq·kg-1 for 232Th to 123-430 Bq·kg-1 for 40K. The radiological parameters in cement samples were calculated as follows: mean radium equivalent activity Raeq = 127 Bq·kg-1, mean absorbed gamma dose rate D = 115 nGy·h-1, mean annual effective dose E = 570 µSv·y-1, external hazard index Hex = 0.32, internal hazard index Hin = 0.51, mean activity concentration index Iγ = 0.47 and mean alpha index Iα = 0.28. The results were compared with the reported data from other countries and the international standard values given by European Commission (EC) and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR 2000). Finally, thorough statistical analysis has been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Lewicka
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Piotrowska
- Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection, 7 Konwaliowa Street, 03-194 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Łukaszek-Chmielewska
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Drzymała
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Ndjana Nkoulou Ii JE, Manga A, German O, Sainz-Fernandez C, Kwato Njock MG. Natural radioactivity in building materials, indoor radon measurements, and assessment of the associated risk indicators in some localities of the Centre Region, Cameroon. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:54842-54854. [PMID: 35314929 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the current study is to investigate the natural radioactivity of some building materials, the resulting long-term external and internal effective dose equivalents (EEDE and IEDE) analysis followed by indoor radon measurements, and the assessment of some radiological risk indicators associated with radon exposure. A total of 37 samples of building materials were analyzed with a sodium iodide detector (NaI (Tl)), and the computer code RESRAD-BUILD was used for the analysis of the EEDE and IEDE of the structural elements of the houses (walls and floor). For indoor radon measurements, 140 houses were selected, and in each of them was placed 01 RADTRAK dosimeter. Inhalation dose, total dose, and some radiological risk indicators were calculated. The specific activities of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K for the overall sampled building materials were found to vary between 10 ± 2-52 ± 7, 10 ± 1-95 ± 10, and 31 ± 1-673 ± 20 Bq kg-1, respectively. The dwelling types with bare brick walls, cement mortar plastered walls, and concrete floors show EEDE and IEDE values well below the recommended limits. The corresponding dwelling type contributions to the measured average indoor radon concentration (42 ± 12 Bq m-3) are 22%, 13%, and 16%, respectively. Inhalation dose resulting from the measured indoor radon concentrations varies from 0.35 to 3.24 mSv y-1 with a mean value of 0.96 ± 0.55 mSv y-1, which represents about 65% of the total dose simulated (1.49 ± 0.88 mSv y-1) by the RESRAD-BUILD code. The overall analysis of indoor radon-related radiological risk indicators shows low levels of risk relative to permissible limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Emmanuel Ndjana Nkoulou Ii
- Centre for Atomic Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics, University of Douala, PO Box 8580, Douala, Cameroon
- Research Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, Institute of Geological and Mining Research, PO Box 4110, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - André Manga
- Research Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology, Institute of Geological and Mining Research, PO Box 4110, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Olga German
- Division of Radiation, Transport and Waste Safety, Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, International Atomic Energy Agency, P.O. Box 100, 1400, Wagramerstrasse, 1020, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carlos Sainz-Fernandez
- Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory of the University of Cantabria (LaRUC), University of Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Cantabria, Spain
| | - Moïse Godfroy Kwato Njock
- Centre for Atomic Molecular Physics and Quantum Optics, University of Douala, PO Box 8580, Douala, Cameroon
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12
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Impact of Environmental Radiation on the Incidence of Cancer and Birth Defects in Regions with High Natural Radioactivity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148643. [PMID: 35886492 PMCID: PMC9317411 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Four regions of high natural radioactivity were selected to assess radionuclide levels in rocks and soils, ambient radiation doses, radon exhalation from the ground, and radon concentrations in the air. The regions have different geochemical characteristics and radioactivity levels, which modulate the radiation exposure of local populations. Combining radiometric data with data from regional health statistics on non-infectious diseases, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between radiation exposure and the incidence of cancer and birth defects. Although this is a preliminary and prospective study, the empirical evidence gathered in this paper indicated increased the incidence of some diseases in relationship with the natural radiation background. It is suggested that further research, including epidemiological studies and direct determination of radiation exposures in regions with a high natural radiation background, is needed and justified.
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13
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Rattanapongs CP, Kranrod C, Jitpakdee M, Tokonami S, Chanyotha S. INTERNAL EXPOSURE FROM INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY IN RESIDENCE AROUND HIGH BACKGROUND RADIATION AREA, PHANG NGA PROVINCE, THAILAND. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2022; 198:467-471. [PMID: 35679532 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A passive integrating discriminative radon-thoron monitor (Raduet) and a radon-thoron progeny monitor with a solid-state nuclear tracking detector were used for estimating indoor radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations in residential areas around the old mines of southern Thailand. Exposure to high background radiation levels from natural 238U and 232Th in the tin mine areas or active fault areas may increase the risk of lung cancer in the respiratory system when considering the health effects of the surrounding inhabitants. In this study, radon thoron and their progeny concentrations from inhalation in the study site have been assessed in dose at volunteer houses to confirm radiation effects. The annual effective doses due to inhalation of radon-thoron, radon progeny and thoron progeny using the ICRP latest dose conversion factors were estimated to be 3.0-4.6, 2.5-3.7 and 0.4-1.0 mSv, respectively, and as 5.9-9.0 mSv in total.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chutima Kranrod
- Department of International Cooperation and Collaborative Research, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Manit Jitpakdee
- Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Sciences, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Department of Radiation Measurement and Physical Dosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8564, Japan
| | - Supitcha Chanyotha
- Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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14
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Chaudhury D, Sen U, Sahoo BK, Bhat NN, Kumara K S, Karunakara N, Biswas S, Shenoy P S, Bose B. Thorium promotes lung, liver and kidney damage in BALB/c mouse via alterations in antioxidant systems. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 363:109977. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Heavy Metal Assessments of Soil Samples from a High Natural Background Radiation Area, Indonesia. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10010039. [PMID: 35051081 PMCID: PMC8780677 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mamuju, Indonesia, is an area with high natural background radiation. This study assesses heavy metal content in soil samples from this area to determine the level of public and environmental hazard it presents. This study analyzes natural radionuclide elements using high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry and performs heavy metals analysis using a flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Moreover, pollution indices and descriptive analyses were used to assess heavy metal contamination in the environment and the correlation between heavy metals and radionuclides. The results demonstrate that soil samples in several areas of Mamuju contain a high concentration of the natural radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th, and that heavy metal concentrations in the soil decrease in the sequence Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd. This study revealed that soil samples from Mamuju are moderately contaminated. There was a strong positive relationship between 226Ra, 232Th, ambient dose equivalent rate, and Pb. Ecological risk index (RI) and cumulative pollution index (IPI) values in Mamuju are 2.05 and 125, respectively, which are possible hazards to human health as a result. Pb concentration in the Mamuju soil samples ranged from 109 to 744 mg kg−1, exceeding the worldwide average of 27 mg kg−1.
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16
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Kudo H, Yoshinaga S, Li X, Lei S, Zhang S, Sun Q, Koriyama C, Akiba S, Tokonami S. The First Attempt to Reevaluate Radon and Thoron Exposure in Gansu Province Study Using Radon-Thoron Discriminating Measurement Technique. Front Public Health 2021; 9:764201. [PMID: 34912771 PMCID: PMC8666718 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.764201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the epidemiological studies provide evidence for an increased risk of lung cancer risk associated with residential radon, an issue of radon-thoron discrimination remains to be solved. In this study, an updated evaluation of lung cancer risk among the residents in Gansu, China was performed where one of the major epidemiological studies on indoor radon demonstrated an increased risk of lung cancer. We analyzed data from a hospital-based case-control study that included 30 lung cancer cases and 39 controls with special attention to internal exposure assessment based on the discriminative measurement technique of radon isotopes. Results from the analyses showed non-significant increased lung cancer risks; odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, smoking, and total income were 0.35 (95% CI: 0.07–1.74) and 0.27 (95% CI: 0.04–1.74) for groups living in residences with indoor radon concentrations of 50–100 Bq m−3 and over 100 Bq m−3, respectively, compared with those with < 50 Bq m−3 indoor radon concentrations. Although the small sample size hampers the usefulness of present analyses, our study suggests that reevaluation of lung cancer risk associated with residential radon in the epidemiological studies will be required on the basis of precise exposure assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Kudo
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Shinji Yoshinaga
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Shujie Lei
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Shouzhi Zhang
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Quanfu Sun
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Chihaya Koriyama
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | | | - Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Hirosaki, Japan
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Nugraha ED, Hosoda M, Tamakuma Y, Kranrod C, Mellawati J, Akata N, Tokonami S. A unique high natural background radiation area in Indonesia: a brief review from the viewpoint of dose assessments. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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18
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Nugraha ED, Hosoda M, Kusdiana, Untara, Mellawati J, Nurokhim, Tamakuma Y, Ikram A, Syaifudin M, Yamada R, Akata N, Sasaki M, Furukawa M, Yoshinaga S, Yamaguchi M, Miura T, Kashiwakura I, Tokonami S. Comprehensive exposure assessments from the viewpoint of health in a unique high natural background radiation area, Mamuju, Indonesia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14578. [PMID: 34272409 PMCID: PMC8285509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mamuju is one of the regions in Indonesia which retains natural conditions but has relatively high exposure to natural radiation. The goals of the present study were to characterize exposure of the entire Mamuju region as a high natural background radiation area (HNBRA) and to assess the existing exposure as a means for radiation protection of the public and the environment. A cross-sectional study method was used with cluster sampling areas by measuring all parameters that contribute to external and internal radiation exposures. It was determined that Mamuju was a unique HNBRA with the annual effective dose between 17 and 115 mSv, with an average of 32 mSv. The lifetime cumulative dose calculation suggested that Mamuju residents could receive as much as 2.2 Sv on average which is much higher than the average dose of atomic bomb survivors for which risks of cancer and non-cancer diseases are demonstrated. The study results are new scientific data allowing better understanding of health effects related to chronic low-dose-rate radiation exposure and they can be used as the main input in a future epidemiology study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eka Djatnika Nugraha
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hosoda
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Kusdiana
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Untara
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - June Mellawati
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Nurokhim
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Yuki Tamakuma
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Abarrul Ikram
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Mukh Syaifudin
- Center for Technology of Radiation Safety and Metrology, National Nuclear Energy Agency, Jl Lebak Bulus Raya No 49, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Ryohei Yamada
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 4-33, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki, 319-1194, Japan
| | - Naofumi Akata
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Michiya Sasaki
- Japan Nuclear Technology Research Laboratory, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry, 2-11-1, Iwadokita, Komae, Tokyo, 201-8511, Japan
| | - Masahide Furukawa
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Shinji Yoshinaga
- Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3, Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masaru Yamaguchi
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Tomisato Miura
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Ikuo Kashiwakura
- Department of Radiation Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan.
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19
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Tokonami S, Miura T, Akata N, Tazoe H, Hosoda M, Chutima K, Kudo H, Ogura K, Fujishima Y, Tamakuma Y, Shimizu M, Kikuchi K, Kashiwakura I. Support activities in Namie Town, Fukushima undertaken by Hirosaki University. Ann ICRP 2021; 50:102-108. [PMID: 34092120 DOI: 10.1177/01466453211006806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Commission on Radiological Protection.Several radiation monitoring research projects are underway on dose assessment, biological analysis, and risk communication under an agreement with Namie Town. Indoor radon and thoron progeny concentrations have been measured using passive-type monitors to estimate internal doses due to inhalation. In addition, airborne radiocaesium concentrations at five points in Namie Town have been analysed using a high-purity germanium detector to estimate internal doses for comparison with radon. External radiation doses from natural and artificial radionuclides have also been estimated using an in-situ gamma-ray spectrometer. Other support activities are mentioned briefly in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Tomisato Miura
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Naofumi Akata
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Hirofumi Tazoe
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Masahiro Hosoda
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail: .,Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Kranrod Chutima
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Hiromi Kudo
- Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Koya Ogura
- Hirosaki University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Yohei Fujishima
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Yuki Tamakuma
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Mayumi Shimizu
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
| | - Kazutaka Kikuchi
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8564, Japan; e-mail:
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20
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Kranrod C, Chanyotha S, Tokonami S, Ishikawa T. A simple technique for measuring the activity size distribution of radon and thoron progeny aerosols. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2021; 229-230:106506. [PMID: 33472114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106506] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a portable cascade impactor was developed to more efficiently determine the activity size distribution of attached radon and thoron progeny in a natural environment. The developed impactor consisted of four stages with a backup filter stage for collection of the aerosol samples. The aerosol cut points were set for 10, 2.5, 1, and 0.5 μm at a sampling rate of 4 L min-1. Five CR-39 chips were used as alpha detectors for each stage. To separate the alpha particles emitted from radon and thoron progeny, the CR-39 detectors were covered with aluminium-vaporized Mylar films. The thickness of each film was adjusted to allow alpha particles emitted from radon and thoron progeny to reach the surface of the CR-39 detectors. The particle cut-off characteristics of each stage were determined by mono-dispersive aerosols with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 1.23 μm from the collection efficiency curve. The test results showed that the respective cut-off size of stages 3 and 4 were close to the designed cut-points. Validation of the technique by comparison with two commercial devices confirmed that the developed technique could provide the necessary information to estimate the activity size distribution of attached radon and thoron progeny for dose assessment, especially, in a field survey where direct electric power is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chutima Kranrod
- Natural Radiation Survey and Analysis Research Unit, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 10330, Bangkok, Thailand; Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 0368564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Supitcha Chanyotha
- Natural Radiation Survey and Analysis Research Unit, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, 10330, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 0368564, Aomori, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ishikawa
- Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, 960-1247, Hikarigaoka, Japan
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21
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Soil Gas Measurements of Radon, CO2 and Hydrocarbon Concentrations as Indicators of Subsurface Hydrocarbon Accumulation and Hydrocarbon Seepage. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13073840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Soil gas measurements of radon (222Rn), CO2, and hydrocarbon concentrations, as well as gamma-ray spectrometry, were conducted at two separate locations to estimate the measurement results for known locations of hydrocarbon accumulations in the subsurface and oil seepage on the surface. The aim of the study was to confirm the applicability of the method for identifying migration pathways (e.g., faults) and to detect possible seepages of hydrocarbons to the surface as well as to investigate possible health issue potential about the soil gas analysis results. Site A investigations were performed with a large number of sampling points to provide sufficient spatial coverage to capture the influence of subsurface lithologic variability as well as the influence of the migration pathway on the measured parameters. For the investigation of site B, sampling points were positioned to reflect the situation between the area above producing hydrocarbon fields and areas with no confirmed accumulation. The results presented show that it is possible to distinguish the near-surface lithology (gamma-ray spectrometry), characterize the migration pathway, and indicate the area of oil seepage at the surface. Areas above the known hydrocarbon accumulations generally have elevated radon concentrations and detectable heavier hydrocarbons with sporadic methane in soil gas, which contrasts with the lower radon levels and lack of detectable heavier hydrocarbons in soil gas in the area with no confirmed hydrocarbon accumulation in the subsurface.
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22
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Sanada T. Measurement of Indoor Thoron Gas Concentrations Using a Radon-Thoron Discriminative Passive Type Monitor: Nationwide Survey in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1299. [PMID: 33535545 PMCID: PMC7908141 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As part of a nationwide survey of thoron (220Rn) in Japan, the indoor 220Rn gas concentrations in 940 dwellings were measured throughout one year, from 1993 to 1996, using a passive type 222Rn-220Rn discriminative monitor. The monitor was placed in a bedroom or a living room in each house for four successive three-month periods. The mean annual indoor 220Rn concentration was estimated from the four measurements in each house. The arithmetic mean, the median and the geometric mean for indoor 220Rn concentrations in 899 dwellings were 20.1, 9.6 and 10.0 Bq m-3, respectively. The 220Rn concentrations exhibited a log-normal distribution. It was found that the 220Rn concentrations were dependent on the nature of the materials used for wall construction and also on the distance of measurement from the wall. Significant seasonal variations in the 220Rn concentration were not observed. It would seem that the nature of the wall material contributed to the increased indoor 220Rn concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Sanada
- Department of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University of Science, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-8585, Japan
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