Abstract

Radon and its decay products are the main source of natural radiation exposure. Alpha particle emissions of radon in drinking water increase the absorbed dose by the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, which can lead to cancer. The present study is aimed to determine the radon concentration in drinking water of Kermanshah city, Iran. Radon concentrations in water samples from ten regions of the city were measured by the RTM1688-2 radon meter. Tap water samples were taken three times in each region. The annual effective dose to stomach and lungs per person was calculated according to parameters introduced by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. According to the results, the average radon concentration in drinking water was 2.96 +/- 0.966 Bq/L. The annual effective dose to adults due to waterborne radon was estimated to be about 7.4 +/- 2.4 mu Sv/y for lungs and 0.533 +/- 0.17 mu Sv/y for stomach. This study showed that the concentration of radon in drinking water used by people in Kermanshah is lower than the recommended values. The results show no significant radiological risk related to waterborne radon for the inhabitants of the studied regions.