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ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE FROM EXPOSURE TO NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY SOURCES IN A CASE-CONTROL STUDY IN BIHOR
T Dicu1, B D Burghele1, A Cucoș1
1Constantin Cosma Radon Laboratory, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|December 4, 2018
Summary
Women in the former uranium Băiţa-Ştei area experienced significantly higher annual effective doses, primarily from inhaling radon progeny. This study assessed radiation exposure pathways and doses in a case and control sample.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiation Protection
- Public Health
Background:
- The Băiţa-Ştei region has a history of uranium mining, potentially leading to elevated environmental radiation levels.
- Radon and its progeny are known indoor air pollutants contributing to radiation exposure.
- Assessing annual effective dose is crucial for understanding health risks associated with environmental radioactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the annual effective dose in women residing in a former uranium mining area (case sample) versus a control area.
- To identify the primary sources and pathways contributing to radiation exposure in these populations.
- To quantify the dose contribution from inhalation, ingestion, and external sources.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 'RaThoGamma' kit for measuring indoor radon/thoron activity and progeny concentrations using CR-39 detectors and direct progeny sensors.
- Collected drinking water samples to assess radon and radium activity concentrations for ingestion dose evaluation.
- Employed thermoluminescent dosimeters for comprehensive radiation dose assessment.
Main Results:
- The maximum annual effective dose in the case sample reached 60.5 mSv, significantly higher than the control sample's maximum of 14.1 mSv.
- Radon progeny inhalation was identified as the principal contributor to the elevated dose in the case sample.
- Ingestion and external radiation pathways showed no statistically significant dose differences between the two groups.
Conclusions:
- Radon progeny inhalation poses a significant radiological health risk in areas with historical uranium mining activities.
- Environmental monitoring and dose assessment are essential for protecting populations in potentially contaminated regions.
- Targeted interventions to reduce indoor radon levels are recommended for high-risk areas.
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