CR3 News Magazine 2025 VOL 4: SEPT RADON CHILDREN & SCHOOLS EDITION | Page 24

GAS Journal of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research( GASJCMMR)

Aminah Kadhum Murad, Ausama Abed Alkadhum Alajeely, Qasim Shakir Kadhim, Ali Louy Ali, Entesser Farhan Salman

College of Basic Education, University of Babylon, Babylon 51002, Iraq

Received: 10.06.2025 | Accepted: 16.07.2025 | Published: 17.07.2025 * Corresponding Author: Entesser Farhan Salman DOI: 10.5281 / zenodo. 16017798

Abstract

Review Article

Radon gas( Rn-222) is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas produced by the decay of uranium and thorium in the earth ' s crust. It is the leading contributor to natural background radiation exposure indoors. Due to their developing tissues and higher mitotic rates, children and juvenile cells are particularly susceptible to radon-induced damage. This article reviews the biological mechanisms of radon toxicity, its impact on juvenile cells and children, epidemiological findings, and public health considerations.

Keywords: Radon Gas, Rn-222, Radioactive Gas, Uranium Decay, Thorium Decay, Background Radiation, Juvenile Cells, Children, Radon Toxicity, Public Health, Epidemiology.

Citation: Murad, A. K., Alajeely, A. A. A., Kadhim, Q. S., Ali, A. L., & Salman, E. F.( 2025). Biological impact of radon gas on juvenile cells and children. GAS Journal of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research, 2( 6), 24-26, ISSN: 3049-1568.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Radiation: Definition and Classification

Radiation is the emission and propagation of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or a medium. It can be broadly categorized into ionizing and non-ionizing radiation based on the energy carried and its ability to ionize atoms or molecules. Ionizing radiation carries sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions and causing molecular damage. It includes alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-rays, and neutrons [ 1,2 ].

Non-ionizing radiation, such as ultraviolet light( lower energies), visible light, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves, does not have enough energy to ionize atoms but can induce thermal or photochemical effects [ 1 ]. The distinction between these two types is critical due to the potential for DNA damage and biological harm associated primarily with ionizing radiation.

Humans are exposed to radiation from natural sources, including cosmic rays and terrestrial radionuclides like uranium and thorium decay products( notably radon gas), as well as artificial sources such as medical imaging and industrial applications [ 3 ]. The interaction of ionizing radiation with biological tissues depends on radiation type, energy, and linear energy transfer( LET). Alpha particles from radon progeny are high LET radiation, causing dense ionization and significant biological damage [ 4 ].

Children’ s developing cells are more radiosensitive due to rapid division and developmental processes, increasing the biological impact of radiation exposure, particularly from radon [ 5,6 ].

1.2 Physical Characteristics and Sources of Radiation

Alpha particles, emitted during radon decay, are heavy and highly ionizing but have low penetration power, stopped by skin or paper; however, inhaled radon progeny pose serious internal risks [ 7 ]. Beta particles are lighter, penetrate more, while gamma rays and X-rays have deeper tissue penetration but lower ionization density [ 8 ].

Radon gas originates from uranium decay in soil and rocks, accumulating indoors where ventilation is poor. It attaches to aerosols and dust, which when inhaled deposit radioactive particles in the lungs, causing alpha radiation exposure to lung tissue. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide, after smoking [ 9 ].

Copyright © 2025 The Author( s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License( CC BY-NC 4.0).

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