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Makumbi T, Breustedt B, Raskob W. Parameter uncertainty analysis of the equivalent lung dose coefficient for the intake of radon in mines: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2024; 276:107446. [PMID: 38733660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2024.107446] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Radon presents significant health risks due to its short-lived progeny. The evaluation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient is crucial for assessing the potential health effects of radon exposure. This review focuses on the uncertainty analysis of the parameters associated with the calculation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient attributed to radon inhalation in mines. This analysis is complex due to various factors, such as geological conditions, ventilation rates, and occupational practices. The literature review systematically examines the sources of radon and its health effects among underground miners. It also discusses the human respiratory tract model used to calculate the equivalent lung dose coefficient and the associated parameters leading to uncertainties in the calculated lung dose. Additionally, the review covers the different methodologies employed for uncertainty quantification and their implications on dose assessment. The text discusses challenges and limitations in current research practices and provides recommendations for future studies. Accurate risk assessment and effective safety measures in mining environments require understanding and mitigating parameter uncertainties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Makumbi
- Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Bastian Breustedt
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 1, D-76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Raskob
- Institute for Thermal Energy Technology and Safety, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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2
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Rani S, Kundu RS, Garg VK, Singh B, Panghal A, Dilbaghi N. Radon and thoron exhalation rate in the soil of Western Haryana, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:523. [PMID: 36988758 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11046-7] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the exhalation rates of radon and thoron from surface soil collected from 60 rural sites of district Hisar, Haryana, India. The exhalation rates of Rn222 (radon) and Rn220 (thoron) were measured by portable SMART RnDuo (AQTEK SYSTEMS) using a mass accumulation chamber which was equipped with a scintillation material-coated cell. Dose rates due to natural gamma radiations ranged from 0.526 to 1.139 mSv y-1. The Rn222 mass exhalation rate in soil samples varied from 0.14 to 94.65 mBq kg-1 h-1. Thoron surface exhalation rates ranged from 46.42 to 619.88 Bq m-2 h-1. This study gives an idea about the differences in Rn222 and Rn220 exhalation at different locations which may be due to variations in geological features of the locations and characteristics of the topsoil. The findings show that usage of study area soil as building material is safe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakuntala Rani
- Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Rajender Singh Kundu
- Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Vinod Kumar Garg
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India.
| | - Balvinder Singh
- Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
- Centre for Radioecology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Amanjeet Panghal
- Department of Physics, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
| | - Neeraj Dilbaghi
- Centre for Radioecology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
- Department of Bio & Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, India
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3
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Zeng X, Berriault C, Arrandale VH, DeBono NL, Harris MA, Demers PA. Radon exposure and risk of neurodegenerative diseases among male miners in Ontario, Canada: A cohort study. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:132-141. [PMID: 36495187 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental radon has been examined as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases in a small number of previous studies, but the findings have been inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the association between occupational radon exposure and neurodegenerative disease in a cohort of male miners with work experience in multiple ore types in Ontario, Canada. METHODS Radon exposure (1915-1988) was assessed using two job-exposure matrices (JEM) constructed from using historical records for 34,536 Ontario male miners. Neurodegenerative outcomes were ascertained between 1992 and 2018. Poisson regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between cumulative radon exposure in working level months (WLM) and each neurodegenerative outcome. RESULTS Levels of cumulative radon exposure showed variability among cohort members with a mean of 7.5 WLM (standard deviation 24.4). Miners in uranium mines or underground jobs had higher levels and more variability in exposure than workers in non-uranium work or surface jobs. Compared to the reference group (radon < 1 WLM), increased rates of Alzheimer's (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.45) and Parkinson's disease (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.08-1.89) were observed among workers with >1-5 WLM and >5-10 WLM, respectively, but not among higher exposed workers (>10 WLM). CONCLUSION This study did not observe a positive monotonic dose-response relationship between cumulative radon exposure and Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease in Ontario mining workers. There was no association observed with motor neuron disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Zeng
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colin Berriault
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria H Arrandale
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathan L DeBono
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Anne Harris
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Demers
- Occupational Cancer Research Centre, Ontario Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Occupational and Environmental Health Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jamir S, Sahoo BK, Mishra R, Sinha D. A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON INDOOR RADON, THORON AND THEIR PROGENY LEVEL IN DIMAPUR DISTRICT OF NAGALAND, INDIA. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2022; 198:853-861. [PMID: 35795923 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Indoor radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their progeny concentrations were detected in several homes in Dimapur district, Nagaland, utilizing Direct Radon and Thoron progeny sensors based on solid-state Nuclear Track Detectors (Type-2 film) and pinhole type radon-thoron discriminating dosemeters. For three separate seasons, the annual inhalation dose has been determined in 80 residences in the research regions. The residences were chosen to have various types of housing, such as concrete, semi-wood/bamboo and bamboo, with varying levels of ventilation that contribute to indoor 222Rn, 220Rn and their progeny. The inhalation dose in the survey area lies between 0.33 and 3.04 mSvy-1 and is within the reference value as suggested by ICRP, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B K Sahoo
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, BARC, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, BARC, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Dipak Sinha
- Department of Chemistry, Nagaland University, Lumami, 798627, India
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Hu J, Wu Y, Saputra MA, Song Y, Yang G, Tokonami S. Radiation exposure due to 222Rn, 220Rn and their progenies in three metropolises in China and Japan with different air quality levels. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2022; 244-245:106830. [PMID: 35124392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2022.106830] [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: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Radiation exposure due to radon contributes most of the ionizing radiation exposure to people among natural radiation sources. This research measured the 222Rn, 220Rn by the RADUET and their progeny concentrations by the improved deposition based 222Rn and 220Rn progeny monitor, and the contribution of outdoor PM2.5 concentrations to indoors by a modified steady-state mass balance model in Beijing, Changchun, China and Aomori, Japan. Based on these results, we preliminarily explored the relevance between the city level outdoor PM2.5 exposure and indoor 222Rn, 220Rn inhalation exposure in these three metropolises with different air quality levels. The average equilibrium equivalent radon concentration (EERC) and equilibirum equivalent thoron concentration (EETC) indoor were 17.2 and 1.1 Bq m-3 in Beijing, 19.4 and 1.3 Bq m-3 in Changchun, and 10.8 and 0.9 Bq m-3 in Aomori, respectively. The indoor EERC and EETC in Beijing showed 1.4 and 2.2 times as high as that measured in 2006. The indoor radiation dose due to inhalation presented in a descending order as Changchun, Beijing and Aomori, which were in accordance with their outdoor 222Rn concentrations. The indoor radiation doses due to 220Rn contributed 30% of the total dose in the three cities, indicating that 220Rn cannot be neglected when evaluating indoor radiation dose. It should be noted that, the indoor PM2.5 concentrations of outdoor origin presented strong correlation (r = 0.772) with indoor EETC and moderate correlation (r = 0.663) with indoor EERC, indicating that the PM2.5 of outdoor origin can break the concentration balance of the indoor PM2.5, then affect the indoor 222Rn and 220Rn behaviors, and further affect the inhalation exposure of radon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hu
- Department of Radiation Measurement and Physical Dosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan; Department of Radiation Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan; Center for Environmental Remote Sensing, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan.
| | - Yunyun Wu
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Xinkang Street, Dewai, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Miki Arian Saputra
- Center for Nuclear Minerals Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia, Jl. Ps. Jumat, Lebak Bulus Raya No. 9, Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan, 12440, Indonesia
| | - Yanchao Song
- National Institute for Radiological Protection, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Xinkang Street, Dewai, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Guosheng Yang
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Shinji Tokonami
- Department of Radiation Measurement and Physical Dosimetry, Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, 66-1 Hon-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8564, Japan.
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Rani S, Kansal S, Singla AK, Nazir S, Mehra R. A comprehensive study of exhalation rates in soil samples to understand the high-risk potential area in Barnala and Moga districts of Punjab, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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7
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Radiological dose estimation due to exposure to attached and unattached fractions of radon and thoron progeny concentrations. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-08103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Radiological risk assessment due to attached/unattached fractions of radon and thoron progeny in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07930-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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9
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Sukanya S, Joseph S, Noble J. Evaluation of radiation dose from radon ingestion and inhalation in groundwater of a small tropical river basin, Kerala, India. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2021; 57:204-215. [PMID: 33243014 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2020.1835889] [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: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive study was conducted to understand the radon (222Rn) distribution and associated radiation doses to the public in a small tropical river basin partly set in the western slope of the Southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Radon, though detected in all the 71 monitored wells (0.17-68.3 Bq L-1), exceeded the maximum contamination level (MCL) of 11.1 Bq L-1 for drinking water recommended by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in eight samples from isolated pockets of highland, midland and lowland of the Karamana River Basin (KRB) and found to be well within 100 Bq L-1, the parametric value suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU). The age-wise total annual effective doses (AEDs) of groundwater radon activity ranged from 0.5-208.4 μSv a-1 for infants, 0.4-172.2 for children and 0.5-189.7 μSv a-1 for adults. The results reveal that effective doses due to groundwater radon pose no potential public health risk in the study region. Since there is no previous background information on radon-induced radiation dose in the KRB, this work is a newfangled attempt from a public health point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sukanya
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sabu Joseph
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Jacob Noble
- Isotope and Radiation Application Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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10
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Assessment of radiological dose from exposure to attached and unattached fractions of radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) in indoor atmosphere. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Puukila S, Haigh P, Johnston A, Boreham DR, Hooker AM, Dixon DL. A radon chamber specifically designed for environmentally relevant exposures of small animals. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 220-221:106295. [PMID: 32560885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106295] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In order to facilitate direct testing of the biological effects of radon, we designed and constructed a 3.1 m3 radon chamber specifically for radon exposures to small animals. The chamber is designed to operate as a sealed enclosure with a controlled atmosphere containing a known concentration of radon and its radioactive decay products. Sensors for air flow rate, temperature, humidity, HEPA filter and differential pressure ensure an optimal environment for exposure subjects. The radon gas is supplied to the chamber from a generator containing Radium-226 in a dilute acid solution. Air containing radon can be pumped continuously using a constant flow rate to maintain a steady state supply. The source flow rate was partitioned to achieve a chamber concentration at 200 Bq/m3 (R2 = 0.9341) or 1000 Bq/m3 (R2 = 0.9715). Small particles are injected into the re-circulating air stream via a particle generator to provide condensation nuclei for attachment of radon decay products as they form in the chamber atmosphere. Particles measured at 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm and 5.0 μm averaged concentrations 5.7 ± 0.6 × 107/m3, 2.5 ± 0.7 × 107/m3 and 2.3 ± 2.4 × 103/m3, respectively. A desired Equilibrium Factor can easily be achieved by varying the air circulation rate through the chamber. The Equilibrium Factor ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 at 200 Bq/m3 and 0.5 to0.6 at 1000 Bq/m3. The chamber was designed to conduct short term exposures to assess the acute cellular changes induced by radon exposure. To our knowledge, this is currently the only radon chamber designed specifically to investigate environmentally relevant exposure time and doses of radon gas and decay products in small animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Puukila
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.
| | - Peter Haigh
- Environment Protection Authority - Retired, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew Johnston
- Environment Protection Authority - Retired, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Douglas R Boreham
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada; Bruce Power, Tiverton, ON, Canada
| | - Antony M Hooker
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Centre for Radiation Research Education and Innovation, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dani-Louise Dixon
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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Kobashi Y, Kataoka T, Kanzaki N, Ishida T, Sakoda A, Tanaka H, Ishimori Y, Mitsunobu F, Yamaoka K. Comparison of antioxidative effects between radon and thoron inhalation in mouse organs. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2020; 59:473-482. [PMID: 32322961 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-020-00843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radon therapy has been traditionally performed globally for oxidative stress-related diseases. Many researchers have studied the beneficial effects of radon exposure in living organisms. However, the effects of thoron, a radioisotope of radon, have not been fully examined. In this study, we aimed to compare the biological effects of radon and thoron inhalation on mouse organs with a focus on oxidative stress. Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 15 groups: sham inhalation, radon inhalation at a dose of 500 Bq/m3 or 2000 Bq/m3, and thoron inhalation at a dose of 500 Bq/m3 or 2000 Bq/m3 were carried out. Immediately after inhalation, mouse tissues were excised for biochemical assays. The results showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and total glutathione, and a significant decrease in lipid peroxide following thoron inhalation under several conditions. Additionally, similar effects were observed for different doses and inhalation times between radon and thoron. Our results suggest that thoron inhalation also exerts antioxidative effects against oxidative stress in organs. However, the inhalation conditions should be carefully analyzed because of the differences in physical characteristics between radon and thoron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kobashi
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kataoka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Norie Kanzaki
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama, 708-0698, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ishida
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
- 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
| | - Yuu Ishimori
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Monju, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-1 Shiraki, Tsuruga-shi, Fukui, 919-1279, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Mitsunobu
- Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-Chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Yamaoka
- Graduate School of Health Sciences, Okayama University, 5-1 Shikata-cho, 2-chome, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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13
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Simultaneous measurements of radon, thoron and their progeny for inhalation dose assessment in indoors of Srinagar, J&K, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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14
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Bangotra P, Mehra R, Jakhu R, Pandit P, Prasad M. Quantification of an alpha flux based radiological dose from seasonal exposure to 222Rn, 220Rn and their different EEC species. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2515. [PMID: 30792451 PMCID: PMC6385224 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This study summarizes the seasonal experimental data on the activity concentrations of indoor 222Rn (Radon), 220Rn (Thoron) and their progeny in Mansa and Muktsar districts of Punjab (India) using LR-115 solid state nuclear track detector based time integrated pin-hole cup dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors for the assessment of radiological dose. The indoor 222Rn concentration was observed higher in the rainy and winter seasons while 220Rn concentration was observed higher in the winter season. However, Equilibrium Equivalent Concentrations (EECs) of 222Rn and 220Rn exhibited distinct seasonal behaviour unlike their parent nuclides. The average equilibrium factors for 222Rn (FRn) and 220Rn (FTn) were found 0.47 ± 0.1 and 0.05 ± 0.01, respectively. The annual arithmetic means of unattached fractions of 222Rn ([Formula: see text]) and 220Rn ([Formula: see text]) were found to be 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.10 ± 0.02, respectively. The attachment rate (XRn) and attachment rate coefficients (β) of 222Rn progeny were also calculated to understand the proper behaviour of progeny species in the region. A new alpha flux based technique has been proposed and used for the assessment of absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose rate for radiation protection purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pargin Bangotra
- Radiation Physics Laboratory, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Punjab, India.
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Radiation Physics Laboratory, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Punjab, India
| | - Rajan Jakhu
- Radiation Physics Laboratory, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Punjab, India
| | - Pragya Pandit
- Atomic Minerals Directorate For Exploration and Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Mukesh Prasad
- Department of Physics, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Badshahi Thaul Campus, Tehri Garhwal, India
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15
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Saini K, Singh P, Singh P, Bajwa BS, Sahoo BK. Seasonal variability of equilibrium factor and unattached fractions of radon and thoron in different regions of Punjab, India. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 167:110-116. [PMID: 27914776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A survey was conducted to estimate equilibrium factor and unattached fractions of radon and thoron in different regions of Punjab state, India. Pin hole based twin cup dosimeters and direct progeny sensor techniques have been utilized for estimation of concentration level of radon, thoron and their progenies. Equilibrium factor calculated from radon, thoron and their progenies concentration has been found to vary from 0.15 to 0.80 and 0.008 to 0.101 with an average value of 0.44 and 0.036 for radon and thoron respectively. Equilibrium factor for radon has found to be highest in winter season and lowest in summer season whereas for thoron highest value is observed in winter and rainy season and lowest in summer. Unattached fractions of radon and thoron have been found to vary from 0.022 to 0.205 and 0.013 to 0.212 with an average value of 0.099 and 0.071 respectively. Unattached fractions have found to be highest in winter season and lowest in rainy and summer season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Saini
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India.
| | - Parminder Singh
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - Prabhjot Singh
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - B S Bajwa
- Department of Physics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005, India
| | - B K Sahoo
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
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Abstract
AbstractThis paper presents selected issues related to the use of 222Rn in therapeutic treatments. Radon is a radioactive element whose usage in medicine for more than 100 years is based on the radiation hormesis theory. However, owing to the radioactive character of this element and the fact that its alpha-radioactive decay is the source of other radionuclides, its therapeutic application has been raising serious doubts. The author points to potential sources and carriers of radon in the environment that could supply radon for use in a variety of therapies. Except for centuries-long tradition of using radon groundwaters, and later also the air in caves and underground workings, the author would also like to focus on soil air, which is still underestimated as a source of radon. The text presents different methods of obtaining this radioactive gas from groundwaters, the air in caves, mining galleries and soil air, and it presents new possibilities in this field. The author also discusses problems related to the transportation and storage of radon obtained from the environment.Within radon-prone areas, it is often necessary to de-radon groundwaters that are intended for human consumption and household usage. Also, dry radon wells are used to prevent radon migration from the ground into residential buildings. The author proposes using radon released from radon groundwaters and amassed in dry radon wells for radonotherapy treatments. Thanks to this, it is possible to reduce the cost of radiological protection of people within radon-prone areas while still exploiting the 222Rn obtained for a variety of therapies.With regard to the ongoing and still unsettled dispute concerning the beneficial or detrimental impact of radon on the human organism, the author puts special emphasis on the necessity of strictly monitoring both the activity concentration of 222Rn in media used for therapeutic treatments and of its radioactive decay products. Monitoring should be also extended to the environments in which such treatments are delivered (inhalatoriums, baths, saunas, showers, pools and other facilities), as well as to the patients – during and after the radonotherapy treatments. It is also essential to monitor the dose of radon and its daughters that is received by persons undergoing radon therapy. This should facilitate the assessment of the effectiveness of these treatments, which may contribute to a fuller understanding of the mechanisms of radon impact, and ionizing radiation in general, on the human organism. This will make it easier to ultimately confirm or reject the radiation hormesis theory. It is also essential to monitor the effective dose that is received by medical and technical staff employed to deliver the radonotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Andrzej Przylibski
- Division of Geology and Mineral Waters, Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Technology, Wybrzeże S. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
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Mayer S, Boschung M, Butterweck G, Assenmacher F, Hohmann E. STABILITY OF THE NEUTRON DOSE DETERMINATION ALGORITHM FOR PERSONAL NEUTRON DOSEMETERS AT DIFFERENT RADON GAS EXPOSURES. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2016; 170:154-157. [PMID: 26396265 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Since 2008 the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) has been using a microscope-based automatic scanning system for assessing personal neutron doses with a dosemeter based on PADC. This scanning system, known as TASLImage, includes a comprehensive characterisation of tracks. The distributions of several specific track characteristics such as size, shape and optical density are compared with a reference set to discriminate tracks of alpha particles and non-track background. Due to the dosemeter design at PSI, it is anticipated that radon should not significantly contribute to the creation of additional tracks in the PADC detector. The present study tests the stability of the neutron dose determination algorithm of the personal neutron dosemeter system in operation at PSI at different radon gas exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Mayer
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Division for Radiation Safety and Security, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Markus Boschung
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Division for Radiation Safety and Security, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Gernot Butterweck
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Division for Radiation Safety and Security, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Frank Assenmacher
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Division for Radiation Safety and Security, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Eike Hohmann
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Division for Radiation Safety and Security, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
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18
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Ramola RC, Prasad M, Kandari T, Pant P, Bossew P, Mishra R, Tokonami S. Dose estimation derived from the exposure to radon, thoron and their progeny in the indoor environment. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31061. [PMID: 27499492 PMCID: PMC4976348 DOI: 10.1038/srep31061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The annual exposure to indoor radon, thoron and their progeny imparts a major contribution to inhalation doses received by the public. In this study, we report results of time integrated passive measurements of indoor radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations that were carried out in Garhwal Himalaya with the aim of investigating significant health risk to the dwellers in the region. The measurements were performed using recently developed LR-115 detector based techniques. The experimentally determined values of radon, thoron and their progeny concentrations were used to estimate total annual inhalation dose and annual effective doses. The equilibrium factors for radon and thoron were also determined from the observed data. The estimated value of total annual inhalation dose was found to be 1.8 ± 0.7 mSv/y. The estimated values of the annual effective dose were found to be 1.2 ± 0.5 mSv/y and 0.5 ± 0.3 mSv/y, respectively. The estimated values of radiation doses suggest no important health risk due to exposure of radon, thoron and progeny in the study area. The contribution of indoor thoron and its progeny to total inhalation dose ranges between 13-52% with mean value of 30%. Thus thoron cannot be neglected when assessing radiation doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. C. Ramola
- Department of Physics, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Badshahi Thaul Campus, Tehri Garhwal - 249 199, India
| | - Mukesh Prasad
- Department of Physics, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Badshahi Thaul Campus, Tehri Garhwal - 249 199, India
| | - Tushar Kandari
- Department of Physics, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Badshahi Thaul Campus, Tehri Garhwal - 249 199, India
| | - Preeti Pant
- Department of Physics, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Badshahi Thaul Campus, Tehri Garhwal - 249 199, India
| | - Peter Bossew
- German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai - 400 085, India
| | - S. Tokonami
- Institute of Radiation Emergency Medicine, Hirosaki University, Aomori 036-8564, Japan
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19
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Bangotra P, Mehra R, Kaur K, Kanse S, Mishra R, Sahoo BK. Estimation of EEC, unattached fraction and equilibrium factor for the assessment of radiological dose using pin-hole cup dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 148:67-73. [PMID: 26117280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High concentration of radon ((222)Rn), thoron ((220)Rn) and their decay products in environment may increase the risk of radiological exposure to the mankind. The (222)Rn, (220)Rn concentration and their separate attached and unattached progeny concentration in units of EEC have been measured in the dwellings of Muktsar and Mansa districts of Punjab (India), using Pin-hole cup dosimeters and deposition based progeny sensors (DTPS/DRPS). The indoor (222)Rn and (220)Rn concentration was found to vary from 21 Bqm(-3) to 94 Bqm(-3) and 17 Bqm(-3) to 125 Bqm(-3). The average EEC (attached + unattached) of (222)Rn and (220)Rn was 25 Bqm(-3) and 1.8 Bqm(-3). The equilibrium factor for (222)Rn and (220)Rn in studied area was 0.47 ± 0.13 and 0.05 ± 0.03. The equilibrium factor and unattached fraction of (222)Rn and (220)Rn has been calculated separately. Dose conversion factors (DCFs) of different models have been calculated from unattached fraction for the estimation of annual effective dose in the studied area. From the experimental data a correlation relationship has been observed between unattached fraction (f(p)(Rn)) and equilibrium factor (F(Rn)). The present work also aims to evaluate an accurate expression among available expression in literature for the estimation of f(p)(Rn).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pargin Bangotra
- Department of Physics, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Department of Physics, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
| | - Kirandeep Kaur
- Department of Physics, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Sandeep Kanse
- Radiological Physics & Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rosaline Mishra
- Radiological Physics & Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - B K Sahoo
- Radiological Physics & Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
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20
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Marsh JW, Bailey MR. A review of lung-to-blood absorption rates for radon progeny. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2013; 157:499-514. [PMID: 23887272 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/nct179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Publication 66 Human Respiratory Tract Model (HRTM) treats clearance of materials from the respiratory tract as a competitive process between absorption into blood and particle transport to the alimentary tract and lymphatics. The ICRP recommended default absorption rates for lead and polonium (Type M) in ICRP Publication 71 but stated that the values were not appropriate for short-lived radon progeny. This paper reviews and evaluates published data from volunteer and laboratory animal experiments to estimate the HRTM absorption parameter values for short-lived radon progeny. Animal studies showed that lead ions have two phases of absorption: ∼10 % absorbed with a half-time of ∼15 min, the rest with a half-time of ∼10 h. The studies also indicated that some of the lead ions were bound to respiratory tract components. Bound fractions, f(b), for lead were estimated from volunteer and animal studies and ranged from 0.2 to 0.8. Based on the evaluations of published data, the following HRTM absorption parameter values were derived for lead as a decay product of radon: f(r) = 0.1, s(r) = 100 d(-1), s(s) = 1.7 d(-1), f(b) = 0.5 and s(b) = 1.7 d(-1). Effective doses calculated assuming these absorption parameter values instead of a single absorption half-time of 10 h with no binding (as has generally been assumed) are only a few per cent higher. However, as there is some conflicting evidence on the absorption kinetics for radon progeny, dose calculations have been carried out for different sets of absorption parameter values derived from different studies. The results of these calculations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Marsh
- Centre Radiation, Chemical & Environmental Hazards, Public Health England Chilton, Oxfordshire OX11 0RQ, UK
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21
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Sakoda A, Ishimori Y, Yamaoka K, Kataoka T, Mitsunobu F. Absorbed doses of lungs from radon retained in airway lumens of mice and rats. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2013; 52:389-395. [PMID: 23771436 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-013-0478-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides absorbed doses arising from radon gas in air retained in lung airway lumens. Because radon gas exposure experiments often use small animals, the calculation was performed for mice and rats. For reference, the corresponding computations were also done for humans. Assuming that radon concentration in airway lumens is the same as that in the environment, its progeny's production in and clearance from airways were simulated. Absorbed dose rates were obtained for three lung regions and the whole lung, considering that secretory and basal cells are sensitive to radiation. The results showed that absorbed dose rates for all lung regions and whole lung generally increase from mice to rats to humans. For example, the dose rates for the whole lung were 25.4 in mice, 41.7 in rats, and 59.9 pGy (Bq m⁻³)⁻¹ h⁻¹ in humans. Furthermore, these values were also compared with lung dose rates from two other types of exposures, that is, due to inhalation of radon or its progeny, which were already reported. It was confirmed that the direct inhalation of radon progeny in the natural environment, which is known as a cause of lung cancer, results in the highest dose rates for all species. Based on the present calculations, absorbed dose rates of the whole lung from radon gas were lower by a factor of about 550 (mice), 200 (rats), or 70 (humans) than those from radon progeny inhalation. The calculated dose rate values are comparatively small. Nevertheless, the present study is considered to contribute to our understanding of doses from inhalation of radon and its progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Sakoda
- Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 1550 Kamisaibara, Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, Okayama 708-0698, Japan.
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22
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Marsh JW, Blanchardon E, Gregoratto D, Hofmann W, Karcher K, Nosske D, Tomásek L. Dosimetric calculations for uranium miners for epidemiological studies. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2012; 149:371-383. [PMID: 21816722 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncr310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies on uranium miners are being carried out to quantify the risk of cancer based on organ dose calculations. Mathematical models have been applied to calculate the annual absorbed doses to regions of the lung, red bone marrow, liver, kidney and stomach for each individual miner arising from exposure to radon gas, radon progeny and long-lived radionuclides (LLR) present in the uranium ore dust and to external gamma radiation. The methodology and dosimetric models used to calculate these organ doses are described and the resulting doses for unit exposure to each source (radon gas, radon progeny and LLR) are presented. The results of dosimetric calculations for a typical German miner are also given. For this miner, the absorbed dose to the central regions of the lung is dominated by the dose arising from exposure to radon progeny, whereas the absorbed dose to the red bone marrow is dominated by the external gamma dose. The uncertainties in the absorbed dose to regions of the lung arising from unit exposure to radon progeny are also discussed. These dose estimates are being used in epidemiological studies of cancer in uranium miners.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Marsh
- Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Chilton, Didcot, UK.
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23
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Marsh JW, Bessa Y, Birchall A, Blanchardon E, Hofmann W, Nosske D, Tomasek L. Dosimetric models used in the Alpha-Risk project to quantify exposure of uranium miners to radon gas and its progeny. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2008; 130:101-106. [PMID: 18456899 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncn119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The European project Alpha-Risk aims to quantify the cancer and non-cancer risks associated with multiple chronic radiation exposures by epidemiological studies, organ dose calculation and risk assessment. In the framework of this project, mathematical models have been applied to the organ dosimetry of uranium miners who are internally exposed to radon and its progeny as well as to long-lived radionuclides present in the uranium ore. This paper describes the methodology and the dosimetric models used to calculate the absorbed doses to specific organs arising from exposure to radon and its progeny in the uranium mines. The results of dose calculations are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Marsh
- Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Chilton, Didcot, UK.
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24
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Ishikawa T, Tokonami S, Nemeth C. Calculation of dose conversion factors for thoron decay products. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2007; 27:447-456. [PMID: 18268375 DOI: 10.1088/0952-4746/27/4/005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dose conversion factors for short-lived thoron decay products were calculated using a dosimetric approach. The calculations were based on a computer program LUDEP, which implements the ICRP 66 respiratory tract model. The dose per equilibrium equivalent concentration for thoron (EETC) was calculated with respect to (1) equivalent dose to each region of the lung tissues (bronchial, bronchiolar and alveolar), (2) weighted equivalent dose to organs other than lung, and (3) effective dose. The calculations indicated that (1) the most exposed region of the lung tissues was the bronchial for the unattached fraction and the bronchiolar for the attached fraction, (2) the effective dose is dominated by the contribution of lung dose, and (3) the effective dose per EETC was about four times larger than the effective dose per equilibrium equivalent concentration for radon (EERC). The calculated dose conversion factors were applied to the comparative dosimetry for some thoron-enhanced areas where the EERC and EETC have been measured. In the case of a spa in Japan, the dose from thoron decay products was larger than the dose from radon decay products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Ishikawa
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
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