Inhalation of radon and its short-lived progeny is one of the most significant contributors to the total effective dose from natural sources of ionising radiation. Exposure to radon progeny represents a substantial health risk, primarily due to its established link to lung cancer. Dose coefficients are derived from biokinetic models describing the behaviour of radon decay products in the respiratory tract, combined with dosimetric models that account for energy deposition from emitted radiation. Given the variability of environmental and working conditions at different workplaces, obtaining site-specific aerosol data to support more accurate and tailored dose coefficient calculations is beneficial. The key parameters influencing effective dose include the equilibrium equivalent activity concentration (EEAC), total aerosol concentration, and the size distribution of radioactive aerosol particles. Additional factors such as work activity, relative humidity, and ventilation type significantly affect aerosol characteristics and, consequently, the equilibrium factor (F) and the unattached fraction (fp), which can vary considerably between sites. This study presents field measurements of the activity size distribution of short-lived radon progeny at several workplaces, using the Dekati ELPI + cascade impactor and the Graded Screen Array Diffusion Battery (GSA DB). The measurements were conducted primarily at underground workplaces with natural ventilation, including former mining excavations and tourist caves. For comparison, the study also includes one site with forced ventilation-a facility for disposing of low-level radioactive waste-and one outdoor location influenced by radon exhalation from a uranium mining waste rock dump.

• Keywords
• Activity size distribution, Aerosol, Radon, Radon progeny,
• MeSH
• Radon Daughters * analysis   MeSH
• Radiation Monitoring * MeSH
• Workplace MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * statistics & numerical data   analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * analysis   MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Particle Size MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Radon Daughters * MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * MeSH
• Radon * MeSH

Uranium mining waste represents a considerable potential source of radon emissions in the nearby environment. The project's aim (2021-2024) was to observe and evaluate the effects of seasonal fluctuations in radon release from former uranium mine dumps No.15 and No.4 in the Příbram area and their influence on the surrounding atmosphere. The objective was to describe the radiation situation and homogeneity of the dumps and to record and analyze the impact of climatic conditions, which contribute to radon transport to the adjacent communities. The progressive phase involved aerial and field measurements of the Ambient Dose Equivalent Rate, detecting hot spots using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), collecting air samples with Lukas cells, and continuously monitoring Radon Activity Concentration. Meteorological data filtered for conditions of temperatures, absence of wind, and no precipitation during night-time hours (from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) identified 890 days between 2005 and 2023. This corresponds to an average of 47 days per year during which conditions conducive to radon transport to the vicinity of the dumps were present, which, as determined, influences radon activity concentrations and their subsequent dispersion into the surrounding environment. These measurements confirmed elevated radon activity concentrations in the ambient air, exceeding several kBq/m³ with measured maxima of 27 kBq/m³. This project's integration of monitoring methods has resulted in a novel, comprehensive approach to determining radon transport from the dump to nearby communities. The ability to accurately identify areas with elevated Radon Activity Concentrations (RAC) plays a crucial role in optimizing strategies to mitigate the impact of radon decay products on public health.

• Keywords
• Aerial measurements, Radon, Spatial analysis, UAV, Uranium mining,
• MeSH
• Atmosphere chemistry   MeSH
• Mining MeSH
• Radiation Monitoring * MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * analysis   MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Seasons MeSH
• Uranium MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Uranium MeSH

Radon springs, characterized by their high concentrations of radon gas (Rn222), are extreme environments with unique physicochemical conditions distinct from conventional aquatic ecosystems. Our research aimed to investigate microbial life in radon springs, focusing on isolating extremophilic bacteria and assessing their resistance to adverse conditions. Our study revealed the prevalence of Actinomycetia species in the radon spring environment. We conducted various tests to evaluate the resistance of these isolates to oxidative stress, irradiation, desiccation, and metal ion content. These extremophilic bacteria showed overall higher resistance to these stresses compared to control strains. Lipidomic analysis was also employed to provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms of these bacteria which were found mainly in the correlations among individual clusters and changes in content of fatty acids (FA) as well as differences between content and type of FAs of environmental isolates and type strains.

• MeSH
• Bacteria MeSH
• Ecosystem MeSH
• Hot Springs * microbiology   MeSH
• Natural Springs * MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Radon * MeSH

The Pooled Uranium Miners Analysis (PUMA) study is the largest uranium miners cohort with 119,709 miners, 4.3 million person-years at risk and 7754 lung cancer deaths. Excess relative rate (ERR) estimates for lung cancer mortality per unit of cumulative exposure to radon progeny in working level months (WLM) based on the PUMA study have been reported. The ERR/WLM was modified by attained age, time since exposure or age at exposure, and exposure rate. This pattern was found for the full PUMA cohort and the 1960 + sub-cohort, i.e., miners hired in 1960 or later with chronic low radon exposures and exposure rates. The aim of the present paper is to calculate the lifetime excess absolute risk (LEAR) of lung cancer mortality per WLM using the PUMA risk models, as well as risk models derived in previously published smaller uranium miner studies, some of which are included in PUMA. The same methods were applied for all risk models, i.e., relative risk projection up to <95 years of age, an exposure scenario of 2 WLM per year from age 18-64 years, and baseline mortality rates representing a mixed Euro-American-Asian population. Depending upon the choice of model, the estimated LEAR per WLM are 5.38 × 10-4 or 5.57 × 10-4 in the full PUMA cohort and 7.50 × 10-4 or 7.66 × 10-4 in the PUMA 1960 + sub-cohort, respectively. The LEAR per WLM estimates derived from risk models reported for previously published uranium miners studies range from 2.5 × 10-4 to 9.2 × 10-4. PUMA strengthens knowledge on the radon-related lung cancer LEAR, a useful way to translate models for policy purposes.

• Keywords
• Cohort study, Lifetime risk, Lung cancer, Mortality, Radon, Uranium miners,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Occupational Diseases * epidemiology   MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * adverse effects   MeSH
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins MeSH
• Radon * adverse effects   MeSH
• Uranium * adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Uranium * MeSH

Radon, a carcinogenic radioactive gas, is a leading cause of lung cancer according to the World Health Organization. European Member States are required to develop and implement National Radon Action Plans (RAPs) to address its dangerous health effects. However, assessing the effectiveness of these RAPs presents challenges for authorities. This study aims to explore the possibility of a systematic and standardised assessment method to evaluate the effectiveness of RAP strategies and its implementation. The method involved analysing the strategies of 27 EU Member States and the UK, conducting legal document analysis and group interviews with responsible authorities. Additionally, four regional workshops and one final European workshop were held. The research took place from March 2021 to May 2023. Findings indicate that evaluating RAP effectiveness is challenging due to limited existing common criteria or indicators. To address this, the study proposes guiding questions for each element required by the EU Directive, as well as additional questions related to education and training. This contribution benefits RAP owners and European regulatory authorities, supporting the development of effectiveness indicators for RAPs. By improving assessment methods, we can enhance the effectiveness of strategies in mitigating the risks associated with radon exposure.

• Keywords
• assessment, indicators, radiation, radon, radon action plan, review,
• MeSH
• Carcinogenesis MeSH
• Carcinogens MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * etiology   MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * analysis   MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollution, Indoor * analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Carcinogens MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * MeSH
• Radon * MeSH

Humans receive a significant portion (˃50%) of the total dose attributed to all the natural radiation sources from indoor radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn), and their progeny. While progeny contributes an overwhelming part to the dose, in most surveys, only radon gas is measured because of the simplicity of measurement. Progeny concentration is usually estimated by multiplying gas concentration with an assumed factor, called the equilibrium factor, and taken from literature. Recently, results of the measurements of equilibrium factors for 222Rn and 220Rn were reported from various parts of the globe. In India, many such studies have been conducted in the current decade. The studies show a wide variation of equilibrium factors which suggests that they depend on environmental factors and measurement conditions. Therefore, they should be determined site specifically if accurate site-specific dose estimation is targeted. This paper summarizes concepts, definitions, and methods to determine equilibrium factors and reviews literature about reported equilibrium factors worldwide, focusing on data reported from India.

• Keywords
• (220)Rn, (222)Rn, Equilibrium factors, India, Inhalation dose, Site-specific,
• MeSH
• Housing MeSH
• Radon Daughters analysis   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Radiation Monitoring * methods   MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * analysis   MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Air Pollution, Indoor * analysis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• India MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Radon Daughters MeSH
• Air Pollutants, Radioactive * MeSH
• Radon * MeSH

• Keywords
• Ionizing radiation, epidemiology, lung cancer, medical, radon, risk,
• MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * MeSH
• Radiation Exposure * adverse effects   MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Risk Factors MeSH
• Environmental Exposure MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S. MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Radon * MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Radon is a major indoor air pollutant that poses a significant risk of lung cancer to those exposed in their homes. While mitigation of high radon levels in homes has been shown to be effective, home mitigation rates remain low. This study examines the barriers and facilitators to radon mitigation in homes from the perspectives of authorities responsible for radon risk management, the mitigation industry (contractors), and residents in four European countries (Belgium, Ireland, Slovenia, and the UK) with high radon risks and low mitigation rates. METHODS: A multi-method approach was used to gather data from various stakeholders, including online surveys, content analysis of legal documents, group interviews, workshops, and focus groups. RESULTS: Authorities, contractors, and residents identified various facilitators to radon mitigation, including legal requirements for mitigation, awareness campaigns, low mitigation costs, availability of financial support, accreditation of mitigation contractors, and a perception of radon as a health threat. However, barriers to mitigation were also identified, such as a lack of awareness, fragmented mitigation processes, and inadequate communication between stakeholders. DISCUSSION: The study highlights the complexity of the radon mitigation process and suggests that interventions aimed at increasing mitigation rates should target stakeholders beyond just residents, such as constructors, health professionals, and policy makers. An integrated approach to radon mitigation, from policy to provision, is necessary to effectively lower levels of this indoor air pollutant.

• Keywords
• barriers, facilitators, lung cancer, mitigation, radon, risk,
• MeSH
• Accreditation MeSH
• Air Pollutants * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Industry MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Administrative Personnel MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Air Pollutants * MeSH
• Radon * MeSH

OBJECTIVES: Radon is a ubiquitous occupational and environmental lung carcinogen. We aim to quantify the association between radon progeny and lung cancer mortality in the largest and most up-to-date pooled study of uranium miners. METHODS: The pooled uranium miners analysis combines 7 cohorts of male uranium miners with 7754 lung cancer deaths and 4.3 million person-years of follow-up. Vital status and lung cancer deaths were ascertained between 1946 and 2014. The association between cumulative radon exposure in working level months (WLM) and lung cancer was modelled as the excess relative rate (ERR) per 100 WLM using Poisson regression; variation in the association by temporal and exposure factors was examined. We also examined analyses restricted to miners first hired before 1960 and with <100 WLM cumulative exposure. RESULTS: In a model that allows for variation by attained age, time since exposure and annual exposure rate, the ERR/100 WLM was 4.68 (95% CI 2.88 to 6.96) among miners who were less than 55 years of age and were exposed in the prior 5 to <15 years at annual exposure rates of <0.5 WL. This association decreased with older attained age, longer time since exposure and higher annual exposure rate. In analyses restricted to men first hired before 1960, we observed similar patterns of association but a slightly lower estimate of the ERR/100 WLM. CONCLUSIONS: This new large, pooled study confirms and supports a linear exposure-response relationship between cumulative radon exposure and lung cancer mortality which is jointly modified by temporal and exposure factors.

• Keywords
• Cancer, Miners, Radiation, Radon,
• MeSH
• Cohort Studies MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lung Neoplasms * etiology   MeSH
• Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Occupational Diseases * epidemiology   etiology   MeSH
• Occupational Exposure * adverse effects   MeSH
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins MeSH
• Radon * adverse effects   MeSH
• Uranium * adverse effects   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Uranium * MeSH

Ferrous slag produced by a historic smelter is washed from a slagheap and transported by a creek through a cave system. Slag filling cave spaces, abrasion of cave walls / calcite speleothems, and contamination of the aquatic environment with heavy metals and other toxic components are concerns. We characterize the slag in its deposition site, map its transport through the cave system, characterize the effect of slag transport, and evaluate the risks to both cave and aqueous environments. The study was based on chemical and phase analysis supported laboratory experiments and geochemical modeling. The slag in the slagheap was dominated by amorphous glass phase (66 to 99 wt%) with mean composition of 49.8 ± 2.8 wt% SiO2, 29.9 ± 1.6 wt% CaO, 13.4 ± 1.2 wt% Al2O3, 2.7 ± 0.3 wt% K2O, and 1.2 ± 0.1 wt% MgO. Minerals such as melilite, plagioclase, anorthite, and wollastonite / pseudowollastonite with lower amounts of quartz, cristobalite, and calcite were detected. Slag enriches the cave environment with Se, As, W, Y, U, Be, Cs, Sc, Cd, Hf, Ba, Th, Cr, Zr, Zn, and V. However, only Zr, V, Co, and As exceed the specified limits for soils (US EPA and EU limits). The dissolution lifetime of a 1 mm3 volume of slag was estimated to be 27,000 years, whereas the mean residence time of the slag in the cave is much shorter, defined by a flood frequency of ca. 47 years. Consequently, the extent of slag weathering and contamination of cave environment by slag weathering products is small under given conditions. However, slag enriched in U and Th can increase radon production as a result of alpha decay. The slag has an abrasive effect on surrounding rocks and disintegrated slag can contaminate calcite speleothems.

• Keywords
• Environmental risk, Experimental abrasion, Ferrous slag, Pollutant release, Rudice Sink – Býčí skála Cave System, Slag transport/weathering,
• MeSH
• Cadmium analysis   MeSH
• Quartz analysis   MeSH
• Minerals analysis   MeSH
• Magnesium Oxide analysis   MeSH
• Silicon Dioxide analysis   MeSH
• Soil MeSH
• Radon * analysis   MeSH
• Silicates MeSH
• Calcium Compounds MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * analysis   MeSH
• Calcium Carbonate analysis   MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Names of Substances
• calcium silicate MeSH Browser
• Cadmium MeSH
• Quartz MeSH
• Minerals MeSH
• Magnesium Oxide MeSH
• Silicon Dioxide MeSH
• Soil MeSH
• Radon * MeSH
• Silicates MeSH
• Calcium Compounds MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * MeSH
• Calcium Carbonate MeSH