Evaluating the health impact of indoor radon concentration in laboratory environments: a focus on lung cancer risk
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This investigation assessed indoor radon concentrations across 11 laboratories using CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors to measure alpha particle emissions. Following exposure, detectors were chemically etched in 6.25 N sodium hydroxide solution at 70.0 ± 0.5 °C for 8 h to visualize alpha tracks, which were subsequently examined via optical microscopy. Measurements demonstrated considerable variability in radon levels between laboratories, even among those situated on identical floors. Radon concentrations ranged from 38.99 Bq m −3 (Laboratory 11, third floor) to 61.66 Bq m −3 (Laboratory 3, ground floor), yielding a mean value of 47.48 Bq m −3 . Correspondingly, annual effective doses varied from 0.99 mSv y −1 to 1.56 mSv y −1 , with an average of 1.20 mSv y −1 . These dose estimates remained substantially below ICRP recommended reference range of 3–10 mSv y −1 . Excess lifetime cancer risk calculations showed values between 3.786 × 10 −3 (Laboratory 11) and 5.989 × 10 −3 (Laboratory 3). A statistically significant variation in radon concentration was also observed across different age groups ( P -value <0.001). Critically, all measured concentrations fell below the UNSCEAR safety threshold of 200 Bq m −3 , confirming that laboratory occupants face negligible health risks from radon exposure. The findings indicate no actionable radon hazards in the studied facilities.
Source: Nuclear Analysis
Authors: Najeba Farhad Salih, Hiwa Mohammad Qadr
Institutions: Koya University, University of Raparin
Language: English
Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417437471