Contribution of 222Rn-bearing water to the occupational exposure in thermal baths

• Published in: Environment international Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 621 - 629
• Main Authors: Vogiannis, E., Niaounakis, M., Halvadakis, C.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2004; Elsevier
• Subjects: 222Rn; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Bathroom; Biological and medical sciences; Chemical compounds (mineral, organic); Chemical, physic and infectious diseases; Exact sciences and technology; Indoor pollution and occupational exposure; Long-term; Medical sciences; Occupational medicine; Pollution; Progenies; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Short-term; Spa; Water; Greece; Europe; Water; Spa; Bathroom; Short-term; 222Rn; Progenies; Long-term; Short term; Natural origin pollution; Radioactive pollution; Radon; Radioisotope; Occupational exposure; Long term; Radioactivity measurement; Hydrothermal vent; Health and environment; Surveillance; Indoor pollution; Dosimetry; Public baths; Daughter product
• ISSN: 0160-4120; 1873-6750
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2003.11.004

The present study investigates the short- and long-term effects of radon (222Rn) released from water on the progeny exposure in a thermal spa. For the purposes of this work, the Polichnitos spa was used as a case study. The bathroom was supplied with water containing 110–210 kBq m−3 of 222Rn. The 222Rn concentration in air and the short-lived 222Rn progenies in attached and unattached form were monitored into the bathroom and the surrounding premises. The equilibrium factor (F-factor) and the unattached fraction were estimated. The results of this study show that water flow during bath filling is by far the dominant mechanism by which 222Rn is released in the air of the bathroom. The progeny exposure was correlated linearly with the 222Rn concentration in the entering water. The annual effective dose received by a worker was found to be below the lower limit value of 3 mSv recommended by ICRP 65. The dose limit was exceeded only for water containing more than 300 kBq m−3.