Life exposure to²²⁶Ra and possible consequences

Abstract

This paper presents a model of continuous exposure to 226Ra by water consumption over a 55-year period. The effects of 226Ra concentration in drinking water were investigated. Reaching the peak at the age of 16, the assessed effective dose has shown that children are more sensitive to radiation than adults. It has been found that consumption of 226Ra-rich water during certain period of life increases consequent effective doses. The earlier the exposure, the higher amount of 226Ra could be retained causing the higher values of effective dose later in life. However, long-term exposure to 226Ra in drinking water as well as consumption of 226Ra-rich water during a certain period of life does not indicate the appearance of malignant diseases in the year of exposure and later in adults.

Prenatal, Early Life, and Childhood Exposure to Genotoxicants in the Living Environment

“…Undernourished infants may receive doses of up to 0.28 mSv year -1 if their diet is exclusively prepared with mineral water with elevated radon concentrations. According to Bronzović et al (66) 226 Ra body activity is significantly higher in people exposed to high doses during childhood than those exposed at adult age. Accumulation of radon in bones during puberty may be related to specific hormonal activity of testosterone and oestrogen (67).…”