Investigation of Radon Sources, Health Hazard and Risks assessment for children using analytical and geospatial techniques in District Bannu (Pakistan)

Abstract

Purpose: Radon (Rn) is a radioactive, odorless, and colorless gas which has a half-life of 3.83 days. One of the main sources of Rn which is directly consumed by the population is Groundwater (Tube well, Bore well, Hand pump). Rn gas is found naturally in rock, soil and water and can be considered as main health risk factor in terms of lung cancer, stomach diseases, leukemia and childhood cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of Rn in the drinking water sources, appraisal of health risk for children in District Bannu, Pakistan.

Material and method: Total of 98 drinking water samples were analyzed by using RAD-7 detector. The experimental data was statistically analyzed by using Pearson's test. The experimental and epidemiological data of the study area are shown on map using ArcGIS version 10.5.

Results: The analytical results show that Rn in drinking water was found varying from 10.1 Bq/l to 53.1 Bq/l with the average highest and lowest depth of 60 ft to 550 ft respectively. Pearson's test was used to show the concentration of Rn verses the depth of the water sources so +1 positive linear correlation was observed among the depth of water sources and the concentration of Rn. Out of 98 drinking water samples 40 sample were above the maximum contaminant level of 11.1 Bq/l (MCL) set by WHO, 2002. The effective doses (AED and DE_ing) for children ranges from 0.00001 to 3.792 mSv/y which exceeds the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of Rn (0.1mSv/y) in 30 drinking water samples . On the basis of analytical results Rn high concentration areas are shown on the map using IDW model of interpolation and health risks were shown in areas where Rn content was above the maximum contaminant level. High correlations of diseases related to Rn were observed amongst the residence of the study area. Gastrointestinal diseases, brain tumor, lung cancer and kidney diseases were observed among the children of the study area.

Conclusion: From the overall analysis it was observed that high Rn concentration in drinking water may cause substantial health damage in children after long term exposure.

Keywords: RAD7; Radon; children; hazard mapping; health hazards; risk assessment.