Impacts of Indoor Radon on Health: A Comprehensive Review on Causes, Assessment and Remediation Strategies

Nunes, Leonel J. R.; Curado, António; Graça, Luís; Soares, Salete; Lopes, Sérgio Ivan

doi:10.3390/ijerph19073929

Cited by 31 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…Since the Earth's origin, naturally occurring radioactivity has been a part of our environment [1][2][3]. Commonly found in rocks and soils are radioactive elements like uranium ( 238 U), thorium ( 232 Th), and potassium ( 40 K) [4][5][6], which all contribute to background radiation levels [7][8][9]. However, some human activities particularly poor farming methods like overusing fertilizer, might make it worse for these radionuclides to build up in the soil [10][11][12], which raises questions about possible health risk from radiation exposure.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda

Sead,

Uzorka,

Olaniyan

2024

Discov Environ

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Using a NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer, the activity concentrations of three natural radionuclides, 238U, 232Th, and 40K, were assessed for soil samples taken from various locations within the Kapchorwa district wheat plantation region. The average values found for 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 47.8 ± 4.1 Bqkg−1, 61.0 ± 3.8 Bqkg−1, and 1339.05 ± 65.3 Bqkg−1, respectively, all of which were above world average values. Radiological health hazard indices were calculated, including radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent, external and internal health hazard indices, as well as gamma and alpha indices. The findings revealed that the annual effective dose equivalent (HR) and absorbed dose rate (DR) are respectively 0.58 ± 0.03 mSvy−1 and 118.1 ± 7.7 nGyh−1, and the mean value of radium equivalent activity is 246.9 ± 10.4 Bqkg−1. The gamma and alpha health hazard indices have values of 0.93 ± 0.05 and 0.25 ± 0.02, respectively, whereas the external and internal health hazard indices have values of 0.66 ± 0.04 and 0.79 ± 0.04, respectively. The findings showed that although the soil's radioactivity levels were higher than acceptable limits established by international standards, the computed hazard indices were lower than acceptable limits established by international standards, indicating a low risk of radiation contamination in the region. Important information about the natural radioactivity levels in agricultural soils and their effects on the environment and public health in Kapchorwa District and surrounding areas is provided by this study.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda

Sead,

Uzorka,

Olaniyan

2024

Discov Environ

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“…This monitoring is valuable to assess the increase in health risk due to relatively high dose rates on long-term radiation exposure. The UNSCEAR report (2000) indicates that radon and its decay products all contribute to an average inhaled dose of 1.26 mSv/y, which is approximately half of an annual effective dose that individuals receive (2.4 mSv/y) from natural sources [7][8][9][10]. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize radon problems and external irradiation from building materials as significant factors that affect public health.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comprehensive Study of Natural Radioactivity in Building Materials: A Case Study in Ica, Peru

Liza,

Pereyra,

Muñoz

et al. 2024

Atmosphere

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This study evaluates radon exhalation rates and assesses the potential radiological risks of external exposure to primordial radionuclides in building materials employed in the Ica region of Peru, particularly those with high uranium content. The radon exhalation rates are currently measured using a combination of a closed chamber and an active monitor. We proposed a novel method that effectively ensured a hermetic seal for the closed chamber and guaranteed that the efficient maintenance of secular equilibrium. The obtained results ranged from below the detection limit (BDL) to a maximum of 52.3 mBq · kg−1h−1. Gamma spectrometry was employed to measure the concentrations of radionuclides by utilizing a 3′ × 3′ NaI detector. The analysis of cement samples revealed a strong positive correlation between the activity concentration of radium and the radon exhalation rate. The activity concentrations for radionuclides varied, with values ranging from BDL to 60.6 mBq · kg−1h−1 for 226Ra, BDL to 22.3 mBq · kg−1h−1 for 232Th, and BDL to 1074 mBq · kg−1h−1 for 40K. These findings contribute valuable insight to decision-making processes in the Peruvian construction industry, particularly regarding material safety and radiological risk management.

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“…Conhecer os riscos dessa exposição é fundamental para evitar danos à saúde. (5) O radônio penetra nos edifícios através de rachaduras em pisos ou juntas de paredes, espaços ao redor de canos e fios, pequenos poros em paredes feitas de blocos ocos de concreto e paredes ou tetos abertos. Geralmente atinge concentrações mais altas em porões e em cômodos em contato direto com o solo, mas concentrações significativas também podem ser encontradas acima do piso térreo.…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Radon exposure: a major cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers

Urrutia-Pereira1,

Miguel Chatkin2,

José Chong-Neto3

et al. 2023

J Bras Pneumol.

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Exposure to radon can impact human health. This is a nonsystematic review of articles written in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese published in the last decade (2013-2023), using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and SciELO. Search terms selected were radon, human health, respiratory diseases, children, and adults. After analyzing the titles and abstracts, the researchers initially identified 47 studies, which were subsequently reduced to 40 after excluding reviews, dissertations, theses, and case-control studies. The studies have shown that enclosed environments such as residences and workplaces have higher levels of radon than those outdoors. Moreover, radon is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, especially in nonsmokers. An association between exposure to radon and development of other lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, was also observed. It is crucial to increase public awareness and implement governmental control measures to reduce radon exposure. It is essential to quantify radon levels in all types of buildings and train professionals to conduct such measurements according to proven efficacy standards. Health care professionals should also be informed about this threat and receive adequate training to deal with the effects of radon on human health.

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Impacts of Indoor Radon on Health: A Comprehensive Review on Causes, Assessment and Remediation Strategies

Cited by 31 publications

References 63 publications

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda

Investigation into radioactivity levels in soil samples from wheat cultivation sites in Kapchorwa district Uganda

Comprehensive Study of Natural Radioactivity in Building Materials: A Case Study in Ica, Peru

Radon exposure: a major cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers

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