Simulation of absorbed dose to human organs and tissues associated with radon in groundwater use in Southwestern Nigeria

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) England : 1993), 2019-02, Vol.155, p.44-47
• Main Authors: Oni, Olatunde Michael, Amoo, Philip Akinsanya, Aremu, Abraham Adewale
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adipose tissue; Alpha particles; Alpha rays; Bone marrow; Computer simulation; Contaminants; Drinking water; Environmental protection; Gas detectors; Groundwater; Groundwater treatment; Organs; Pharmacology; Radiation; Radiation dosage; Radon; Radon levels
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2018.08.029

Awareness of the presence of radon and its potential health effects is very low in Nigeria. The use of un-treated and un-stored groundwater capable of having high radon level, for drinking and other domestic purposes is being practised in the Southwestern Nigeria. Thus the exposure to radon from this source may result to high absorbed dose to the organs and tissues. Samples of groundwater assayed with an active radon detector (RAD7), manufactured by Durridge Company, USA provided the concentration of radon used as the input parameter for a computer application, developed for the simulation of radon concentration found in human organs and tissues, using the physiologically based pharmacokinetic(PBPK) model. Many of the water samples assayed were observed to have radon concentration above the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant level. Of the organs and tissues considered, the red bone marrow and the adipose tissue were found to retain more radon than others, hence they tend to have more absorbed dose from the alpha radiation emitted by the decay of radon. The results of this study revealed the necessity of radon exposure awareness among the citizens of Nigeria and setting of action plans for radon mitigation by the necessary organizations. •Radon is a radioactive carcinogenic gas found in high concentration in groundwater.•Over eighty percent of water for domestic use in Nigeria are from groundwater.•Exposure to radon by inhalation is possible when groundwater is used.•The decay of inhaled radon increases the cancer risk of the lungs and other organs.•Liver and bone marrow were simulated to have higher radon concentration.