Poli-Cameroon地区U矿区饮用水中的222Rn和220Rn水平、逸出与呼气评估及相关健康影响

222Rn and 220Rn levels in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation assessment, and the related health implications in the U-bearing area of Poli-Cameroon

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH

影响因子:3.8

分区:环境科学与生态学4区 / 水资源3区工程：环境4区环境科学4区公共卫生4区

发表日期:2024 Jul 31

作者: Cebastien Joel Guembou Shouop, Jean Felix Beyala Ateba, Josue Maya, Stanislas Mvondo, Augustin Simo, Maurice Ndontchueng Moyo

DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02133-w

摘要

氡气的本底放射性通过摄入和吸入其同位素222Rn（氡）和220Rn（氦氪）在水源中的存在，可能对人体健康构成潜在暴露风险。近期多项研究评估了水、空气和土壤等环境基质中的氡浓度，考虑到其对人体健康的危害。作为非吸烟者肺癌的主要原因之一，以及摄入时被认可为胃癌的促发因素，本研究旨在初步评估喀麦隆Faro地区Poli地区U矿区的氡和氦氪水平。评估内容包括饮用水中的220、222Rn浓度，逸出和呼气中的氡氦氪水平，重点在于分析不同年龄段人群的暴露风险。水中氡氦氪水平及其相关的暴露和癌症风险数据显示，短期内无明显健康危害，但考虑到该地区丰富的U矿物资源，持续监测和前瞻性措施仍然必要。逸出测量显示数据分散，Salaki地区值最为异常，设备记录氡为8.14×10^12 Bq/m^3，氦氪为3.27×10^12 Bq/m^3。此外，土壤到空气的氡氦氪转移系数均低于1。虽然计算的剂量显示潜在风险较低，符合WHO和联合国科学委员会（UNSCEAR）指南，但这些结果对制定国家氡水平标准具有重要意义，也为监测公众健康提供科学依据。

Abstract

The inherent radioactivity of radon gas presents potential exposure risks to human beings through ingestion and inhalation of its radioisotopes 222Rn (radon) and 220Rn (thoron) from water sources. Recent studies have been conducted to assess radon concentrations in different environmental matrices such as water, air, and soil, due to their detrimental impact on human health. As the main cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and an acknowledged contributor to stomach cancer when ingested, the present study aimed to preliminarily assess radon and thoron levels in the Uranium bearing area of Poli in the Faro division of Cameroon, known for its significant U-deposits. The assessment included measuring 220, 222Rn concentrations in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation, with a specific focus on evaluating the exposure of different age groups within the local population. The radon/thoron levels in water and their related exposure and cancer risk data indicated no immediate health hazards. However, continuous monitoring and prospective measures are deemed essential due to the area's abundant U-minerals. The emanation measurements showed sparsely distributed data with a singularity at Salaki, where the equipment recorded values of 8.14 × 1012 Bqm-3 and 3.27 × 1012 Bqm-3 for radon and thoron, respectively. Moreover, radon/thoron transfer coefficients from the soil to the air indicated levels below unity. While the calculated doses suggest minimum potential risk in line with WHO and UNSCEAR guidelines, the obtained results are expected to significantly contribute to the establishment of national standards for radon levels in drinking water, emanation, and exhalation. Furthermore, these findings can play a crucial role in monitoring radon/thoron levels to ensure public health safety.