Spatial Distribution and Public Health Implications of Radon and Thoron in Groundwater: A Large-Scale Study in Largest Province of Iran - ۲۰۲۳

Introduction: Radon (۲۲۲Rn) and thoron (۲۲۰Rn) are radioactive gases that pose significant health risks, including lung cancer, when inhaled or ingested. This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with radon and thoron in groundwater across Kerman Province, the largest province in Iran. Materials and Methods: A total of ۱۰۷ wells were sampled (۲۰۲۳), and radon/thoron concentrations were measured using a RAD۷ detector. Data were analyzed using SPSS-۲۶ and ArcMap ۱۰.۵, employing the Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinary kriging for spatial distribution mapping. Results: The annual effective dose of radon ranged from ۱۰.۰۰ ± ۶.۷۲ to ۲۲۴.۸۴ ± ۲۸.۴۰ μSv/yr for adults, while thoron doses ranged from ۱۵.۰۰ ± ۱۰.۰۷ to ۳۳۷.۲۶ ± ۴۲.۵۹ μSv/yr for adults. No significant correlation was found between radon concentration and environmental parameters (pH, temperature, and residual free chlorine). Seven sampling points exhibited a high respiratory risk, whereas the others posed a moderate risk. No association was observed between the radon/thoron levels and fault proximity. Conclusion: All measured radon concentrations were below Iran’s permissible limit (۱۰۰ Bq/L). To mitigate health risks, high-concentration wells should be restricted or sealed, and aeration/storage tanks (≤ ۴-day retention time) should be implemented to reduce radioactivity. These measures are crucial for minimizing public exposure to radioactive groundwater contamination.

کلیدواژه ها:

Radioactivity ، Public Health ، Radiation Protection ، Human Body.