A . E . A . Elzain et al .: Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 3 ), 235 – 245 243 Fig . 9 . Radon concentration from water vs effective dose rate for ingestion due to age groups .
and 38.38 ± 5.37 mSv . y �1 for these age groups , respectively . The study aims to investigate the health effects of exposure to radon in different age groups , particularly focusing on water consumption . It was found that infants are more vulnerable to radiation exposure due to their low organ mass and rapidly dividing cells ( Alzen and Benz-Bohm , 2011 ). Adults are the second-most susceptible group due to their routine water intake . While the estimated dose of radiation does not pose a significant risk , the potential for radiationinduced damage varies depending on the dose and duration of exposure ( Kesäniemi et al ., 2019 ). Therefore , it is crucial to prioritize minimizing exposure to radon by monitoring and regulating its levels and implementing safety measures . These results are within the UNSCEAR ( 2000 ) andWHO ( 2011 ) recommended limits , but far below the ICRP , 1993 recommended action level for radon in homes . According to Table 2 , the study findings reveal the compared annual effective dose rates for infants , children , and adults in various age groups globally . The lowest values were observed in Northeastern Saudi Arabia , India , and Pakistan , while the highest values were reported in Iraq and Oyun , Kwara State , Nigeria , for all age ranges . Further research is necessary to understand these risks , develop mitigation strategies , and reduce infants ’ exposure to water sources and indoor air .
4 Conclusion
The study aimed to analyze the concentration levels of radon and effective dose rates concerning age groups in Gezira State , Sudan , by collecting 26 water samples using the RAD7 technique . Results showed that the radon concentration levels were below the recommended limits , indicating that there was no immediate health risk for people who consume domestic water . However , 23.1 % of the samples exceeded the maximum contamination level recommended by the USEPA , while 76.9 % were below it . The total radon concentration was also found to be below the recommended reference levels of UNSCEAR , WHO , and the EU . All age groups had annual effective and cumulative exposure doses within permissible levels , with infants having a higher risk but minimal radiation dose . Nonetheless , further research is needed to better understand these risks and develop strategies to mitigate them .
Acknowlegments
The authors are thankful to the inhabitants of these locations for their help in this work .
Funding
This research did not receive any specific funding .
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare no competing interests .
Data availability statement
The research data associated with this article are included within the article .