Estimation of the contribution of Radon-222 levels to risk of lung cancer in homes Atbara city, Sudan

Abstract

Abstract This study aims at measuring Radon Gas concentration in residential areas in Atbara Locality River Nile state, and estimate the annual effective dose and excess life-time cancer risk to the residents were measured, The Radon Gas concentration is measured by using Radon Scout Device, which measures gas concentration through reagents technology that using semi-conductors, because of its characteristic of high sensitivity . The device had been used in closed rooms for three indoor successive hours, measuring Radon Gas concentration. The study includes 150 houses in different areas in Atbara locality, all the houses were in Atbara town residential area which consists of 27 residential areas. Radon concentration in Atbara locality ranged between (70-3)Bg\ 𝑚 and the average concentration of Radon Gas was21.06 Bg\ 𝑚 . The annual mean effective dose of 222Rn in Atbara is (0.509) mS/y. the estimated excess, lifetime cancer risk was 9×10-4. The mean concentration of 222Rn indoor air relative to WHO and EPA standards are 21.0% and 41.0 %,the concentration of 222Rn indoor air of all homes is less than the WHO guideline and EPA standard limits The study shows that Radon Gas in Atbara Locality is relatively low compared to Levels of intervention adopted by the International organizations for Environment protection.