Measuring Radon and Radium Concentrations in 120 Samples of Drinking Water Sources, Springs and Rivers of Shandiz, Zoshk and Abrdeh Regions

Radioactive element radium produces radon gas with the alpha decay. Radon is a colorless gas without smell, weak, ineffective and over 50% radiation of the annual dose human body is involved. The two heavy radioactive elements in the natural decay chain from uranium and thorium is produced. Radon through breathing, eating and drinking enters the body. Alpha emission from gas and other radiations emitted from daughter nuclei of its short life makes serious damage to the respiratory system and into the human digestive, therefore after smoking this radiation is the second risk factor of lung cancer. In this study, the concentration of radium and radon in water sources, springs and rivers of Shandiz, Zoshk and Abrdeh regions (Mashhad-Iran) and using light and portable PRASSI system is measured. Total 120 samples including 38 samples of drinking water, 56 river water samples and 26 samples of spring water has been tested. A total of 19 samples had concentrations >11 (Bq L-1), the reference level set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Radium concentration of all samples was <1, only sample No. 21 related to drinking water of Shandiz city is about 2.2 (Bq L-1).