Work

Radiological safety assessment for water treatment facility due to radon inhalation in Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Water treatment facilities are facilities that use groundwater to produce potable water. Groundwater can contain radon which is a naturally occurring radionuclide, and water treatment facility workers who directly handle groundwater are at risk of internal exposure from radon inhalation. The objective of this study is to assess the internal radiation dose from radon inhalation in water treatment facility workers in Korea. To achieve this, we analyzed work processes in 6 water treatment facilities in Korea, and main process areas were investigated through interviews with workers. The airborne radon concentration was measured in the main process areas using the RAD 7 and Raduet radon detector. Radon concentrations measured in the main process areas ranged from 16.6 to 756 Bq m −3 , which is below the ICRP's reference level of 1,000 Bq m −3 . The internal radiation dose due to radon inhalation ranged from 0.193 to 5.80 mSv y −1 . This is about half of the ICRP's reference level of 10 mSv y −1 for radon inhalation. This study can be used as technical data for radiological safety management of NORM industries in Korea.

Source: Nuclear Engineering and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2025.103727

Authors: Seung Beom Yoo, Shin Dong Lee, Jeong Woo Lee, Chang Hee Han, Kwang Pyo Kim

Institution: Kyung Hee University

Language: English

Topic: Radioactivity and Radon Measurements

Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $200