Assessment of Radon Radiation Risk in  Water Samples from Al-Tuwaitha and Surrounding Areas Using the Alpha Guard Detector

Abstract

In this study, the Alpha Guard PQ2000 PRO detector was used to collect direct water samples from 36 locations southeast of Baghdad Governorate. This included 10 samples collected from the Tuwaitha nuclear site. Twenty-six samples were collected. While outside the Tuwaitha nuclear site, including from health centers, mosques, schools, and gas stations near the Tuwaitha nuclear site. The highest radon concentration in the water tank was recorded at 0.44204 Bq/L at the Central Laboratories Directorate/Model Room (sample W9). In contrast, the lowest concentration was recorded at 0.13364 Bq/L at the Nuclear and Radiation Safety and Security Directorate (sample W11). The annual effective dose from inhalation and ingestion of radon-222 was calculated for all these locations and was found to be lower than the recommended reference level. The natural limit for radon concentration in water is 100 Bq/L according to the World Health Organization, while the Environmental Protection Agency sets a more stringent standard of 11 Bq/L. Radon gas and its short-lived decay products contribute significantly to human exposure to natural radiation, which can cause cancer. Ongoing monitoring is essential to mitigate potential risks.