Prevention measures against radiation exposure to radon in well waters: analysis of the present situation in Finland

Abstract

Tuukka Turtiainen (corresponding author) Laina Salonen STUK -Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Finland, P.O. BOX 14, 00881, Helsinki, Finland E-mail: tuukka.turtiainen@stuk.fi Naturally occurring radioactive elements are found in all groundwaters, especially in bedrock waters. Exposure to these radioactive elements increases the risk of cancer. The most significant of these elements is radon which, as a gas, is mobile and dissolves in groundwater. In Finland, water supply plants are obliged to carry out statutory monitoring of the water quality, including radon. Monitoring of private wells, however, is often neglected. In this paper, we outline the problem by reviewing the outcomes of the studies conducted in Finland since the 1960s. We also summarise the development of legislation, regulations and political decisions made so far that have affected the amount of public exposure to radon in drinking water. A review of the studies on radon removal techniques is provided, together with newly obtained results. New data on the transfer of radon from water into indoor air are presented. The new assessments also take into account the expanding use of domestic radionuclide removal units by Finnish households.

Groundwater radon exposure and risk of lung cancer: A population-based study in Finland

“…This worrying figure obliged the authorities to survey waterborne radon throughout Finland. After the 1970s, the survey mainly focused on private wells and evaluating new groundwater sources before connection to local distribution networks ( 13 ). According to the most recent legislation, when the exposure of workers to radon is higher than the reference value, the workplace is placed under radon control and the workers are monitored until the exposure value among the workers is reduced below the threshold reference value.…”

“…Radon is the most significant factor among these elements as it dissolves in groundwater. Exposure to these radioactive elements increases the risk of cancer, and radon is primarily associated with the risk of lung cancer ( 13 ). Groundwater is a source of indoor air radon as radon transfers from the water to the air during various water-related activities such as laundry and during showers ( 14 , 15 ).…”

General Overview of Radon Studies in Health Hazard Perspectives

“…So one should take action to reduce its concentration. There are several radon mitigation methods in the indoor environment, including the sealing of cracks in floors and walls and adjusting the design of the building to change the flow of air into the building [ 16 ]. Improving the ventilation of the house, sealing of cracks and other openings on the walls, improving the ventilation of the room, installing a radon pump system, opening of windows, doors, and vents of the house (called natural ventilation), and house pressurization using a fan to blow air into the basement are the major principles that should be taken to reduce radon gas concentrations in the breathing zones of occupied buildings, homes, offices, and schools.…”