Seasonal variation and structural influences on indoor radon exposure in residential buildings of Khuzestan Province
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Radon, a radioactive gas and the second leading cause of lung cancer, poses significant health risks in enclosed spaces. This study examines radon concentrations in residential buildings across Khuzestan Province, Iran, exploring seasonal variations and building-related influences, to establish a baseline radon profile and inform public health strategies. A cross-sectional study measured indoor radon levels in 343 homes using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors during the cold (December–February) and warm (June–August) seasons of 2024. Stratified random sampling ensured representativeness across Khuzestan, varying in geology and urban density. Key variables included building age, height, floor type, and structural framework. Spatial distribution was mapped via Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and Ordinary Kriging (OK). Statistical analyses (t-tests, ANOVA) assessed differences ( p < 0.05). Mean radon concentrations were higher in the cold season (119.93 ± 113.15 Bq/m 2 ) than in the warm season (72.99 ± 41.16 Bq/m 2 ), with northern cities like Dezful (279.05 Bq/m 2 ) exceeding WHO (100 Bq/m 2 ) and EPA (148 Bq/m 2 ) thresholds. The estimated annual effective doses (AEDs) ranged from 0.78 to 7.04 mSv/year, with higher values during the cold season. Older concrete buildings (> 15 years) and ground-floor units showed significantly elevated levels ( p < 0.001). Floor type influenced warm-season concentrations ( p = 0.011), with mosaic floors highest (91.32 Bq/m 2 ). Spatial analysis identified northern mountainous regions as radon hotspots, especially in the cold season. Seasonal and structural factors significantly affect radon levels in Khuzestan, highlighting public health risks in high-radon zones. Mitigation strategies, such as ventilation improvements in older concrete homes, are critical. This dataset fills a critical knowledge gap in Iran’s national radon profile and provides an essential baseline for future geospatial health risk modeling, mitigation planning, and policy development.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Nastaran Talepour, Alireza Mesdaghinia, Kazem Nadafi, Kamyar Yaghmaeian, Abbas Shahsavani, Masud Yunesian, Mehdi Ahmadi, Sahand Jorfi, Morteza Abdullatif Khafaie, Mohsen Hosainzadeh, Zeinab Ghaed Rahmat, Zabihollah Yousefi, Maryam Yarahmadi, Neda Kaydi, Seyede Kosar Mousavi, Shila Ghasabzadeh, Faezeh Jahedi, Masoud Panahi Fard, Zahra Hashemi, Nezamaddin Mengelizadeh, Hamed Saki, Narges shamsedini, Mohammad Hassan Bazafkan, Ali Gourani, Saeed Ghanbari, Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh
Institutions: Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Center for Water Quality Research, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Center for Air Pollution Research, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, University of Larestan
Language: English
Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Award: G1529380585
OpenAlex ID: W4414606109