Comprehensive study of radon levels, health risks, and physiochemical properties in tap water consumed in Iraqi Kurdistan using solid-state nuclear track detectors.

Abstract

Water quality assessment represents a fundamental component of public health surveillance programs. Radon concentrations in potable water constitute a significant contributor to environmental contamination and radiological exposure pathways. Consequently, this investigation quantified radon concentrations in tap water samples collected from the Ranya region of Iraqi Kurdistan, utilizing passive detection methodology employing CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors. Radiological safety and physicochemical properties of the tap water were evaluated. Measured radon concentrations exhibited a range of 0.068 to 0.194 Bq L^-1, with a mean of 0.107 Bq L^-1. All concentrations remained substantially below established regulatory thresholds of 11.1 Bq L^-1 for USEPA and 100 Bq L^-1 for WHO guidelines. In addition, the maximum annual effective doses from ²²²Rn ingestion were 4.143, 4.888, and 8.167 μSv y^-1 for adults, children, and infants, respectively. Children and adults received lower annual effective doses than infants, though all age groups remained well below the WHO safety threshold of 100 μSv y^-1. Cancer risk estimates for all age groups also remained below global reference levels. A strong positive correlation was not found between ²²²Rn levels and tap water parameters. It appears that the results dispel local fears of significant radioactive risks by showing that radon concentrations are within the limits set by international organizations.