Measurement of radon concentration levels in Pakistan: An overview

Abstract

Radon is known to be a major source of public radiation exposure which could lead to increased incidence of lung cancer. Besides its health hazards, it also has potential geological, industrial and nuclear applications. In this context, radon measurements studies have been extensively conducted and reported all over the world. Keeping in view the importance of radon measurement levels, different research groups in Pakistan have also carried out and reported numerous studies since last several decades. However, these studies were scattered which were compiled and reported in 2008. Since then, considerable data have been reported for different cities/areas of Pakistan. The main objectives of the present article are to overview and compile these studies that will serve as baseline data for the radon levels in Pakistan.

Health risks associated with radon concentrations in carbonate and evaporite sequences of the uranium-rich district Karak, Pakistan

“…After inhalation or ingestion, radon decays and releases energy, causing lung and stomach cancer (Khattak et al, 2011). Exposure to elevated radon concentrations via inhalation for a long time is the second major cause of lung cancer, with smoking being the first cause (The World Health Organization, 2005;Matiullah and Muhammad, 2017). This phenomenon of radon makes it a human health menace.…”