Dynamic Model for Assessing ²²²Rn and Progeny Exposure from Showering with Radon-Bearing Water

Abstract

In homes supplied by water with a high radon content, inhalation exposure from the radon in the water may occur on two different time scales: (a) long-term exposure that occurs due to an increase in the background radon concentration from radon released during water use and (b) short-term exposure that occurs during actual radon use such as in the bath, kitchen, and laundry room. While the former mode has been the subject of several studies, not much is known about the latter mode of exposure. During water use, the radon concentration can be considerably higher than the background and varies rapidly with time. Most of the exposure occurs well before a steady state can be reached. The goal of this work was to develop a dynamic, size-dependent model for the radon progeny activity during showering. The model includes radon and progeny decay, attachment of progeny to the existing aerosol, recoil, ventilation, and surface deposition. The model is used to evaluate radon exposure during and subsequent to showering as a function of environmental and other parameters (such as aerosol profile, bathroom dimensions, ventilation rate, and shower duration). These results are used in conjunction with a recent dosimetric model to obtain the integrated lung dose as a function of time.

Radon variations during treatment in thermal spas of Lesvos Island (Greece)

“…Radon and decay product nuclei present in indoor environment of spa facilities have been identified as an agent of additional radiation burden both for bathers and working personnel (Steinhäusler, 1988;Datye et al, 1997). This additional burden has been studied by many researchers resulting in the introduction of appropriate health regulations (Bernhardt and Hess, 1996;Datye et al, 1997;Fitzgerald et al, 1997).…”

“…This additional burden has been studied by many researchers resulting in the introduction of appropriate health regulations (Bernhardt and Hess, 1996;Datye et al, 1997;Fitzgerald et al, 1997). However, for the spa facilities of Lesvos there exist no measurements for radon and decay product nuclei indoors.…”

Dosimetry modelling of transient radon and progeny concentration peaks: results from in situ measurements in Ikaria spas, Greece

“…3,4 Radon and progeny are important agents of the radiation burden of visitors and working personnel in thermal spas. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The elevated concentration of radon in the inowing water and the applied hydro-mechanical ux techniques increase ambient concentrations of radon and progeny and intensify human radiation burden. 13,25 The European Union acknowledged this…”

Health risk related to radon in a thermal spa utilizing waters from Guarani aquifer

“…Radon and decay product nuclei are present in indoor environments of spa facilities and have been identified as an agent of additional radiation burden both for bathers and working personnel [18,19]. This additional burden has been studied by many researchers, resulting in the introduction of appropriate health regulations [19][20][21].…”

“…This additional burden has been studied by many researchers, resulting in the introduction of appropriate health regulations [19][20][21]. However, for the spa facilities existing in several areas in Brazil the measurements for radon and decay product nuclei indoors are incipient or non-existent.…”