Exposure Assessment of Radon In The Drinking Water Supplies: A Descriptive Study In Palestine

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Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
BMC Research Notes 2012, 5:29 doi:10.1186/1756-0500-5-29
Year of Publication: 
2012
Authors: 
Hamzeh Al Zabadi
Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Samar Musmar
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Shaza Issa
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Nidal Dwaikat
Radiation Physics Laboratory, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Ghassan Saffarini
Radiation Physics Laboratory, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, An-Najah National University, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 

Background Radon gas is considered as a main risk factor for lung cancer and found naturally in rock, soil, and water. The objective of this study was to determine the radon level in the drinking water sources in Nablus city in order to set up a sound policy on water management in Palestine.
Methods This was a descriptive study carried out in two phases with a random sampling technique in the second phase. Primarily, samples were taken from 4 wells and 5 springs that supplied Nablus city residents. For each source, 3 samples were taken and each was analyzed in 4 cycles by RAD 7 device manufactured by Durridge Company. Secondly, from the seven regions of the Nablus city, three samples were taken from the residential tap water of each region. Regarding the old city, ten samples were taken. Finally, the mean radon concentration value for each source was calculated.
Results The mean (range) concentration of radon in the main sources were 6.9 (1.5-23.4) Becquerel/liter (Bq/L). Separately, springs and wells' means were 4.6 Bq/L and 9.5 Bq/L; respectively. For the residential tap water in the 7 regions, the results of the mean (range) concentration values were found to be 1.0 (0.9-1.3) Bq/L. For the old city, the mean (range) concentration values were 2.3 (0.9-3.9) Bq/L.
Conclusions Except for Al-Badan well, radon concentrations in the wells and springs were below the United State Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminated level (U.S EPA MCL). The level was much lower for tap water. Although the concentration of radon in the tap water of old city were below the MCL, it was higher than other regions in the city. Preventive measures and population awareness on radon's exposure are recommended.

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