Med. Pr. 2008;59(1):35-38 |
AN ASSAY OF THE CURRENT EXPOSURE TO RADON OF SPA WORKERS IN POLAND |
ROZPOZNANIE AKTUALNEGO STANU NARAŻENIA NA RADON PRACOWNIKÓW UZDROWISK W POLSCE |
Jerzy Olszewski, Małgorzata Chodak, Jerzy Jankowski |
Abstract
Background: Owing to good solubility of radon 222Rn in water the gas is
found almost in all surface and underground water basins. Radon
released from water into the ambient atmosphere is a source of health
hazard to the workers handling mineral water in Spa facilities.
Material and Methods: Mean monthly radon concentrations were measured
using closed dosimetry with CR-39 trace detectors. Of the 101 Spas
included in the study, 76 returned the dosimeters. Results: In two
Spas, the measured concentrations were above 1000 Bqm-3, and thus
annual doses of over 6 mSv could be received by the workers of those
Spas. In four of the Spas, radon concentrations were within the range
of 500- 1000 Bqm-3. In the majority (75%) of the Spas, mean monthly
radon concentrations were not higher than 150 Bqm-3. Conclusions: One
hundred sixty persons working in 13 Spas can be exposed to the doses,
which are important from radiation protection point of view. In the
remaining Spas, radon exposure is maintained at the level of average
exposure of the general population in Poland. Med Pr 2008;59(1):35-38
Key words
radon, water, effective dose, Spa