312 K . M . Thabayneh and R . J . Shawamreh : Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 4 ), 306 – 316 Fig . 3 . The correlation between radon-222 concentrations with the site for Tulkarm governorate .
Finally
, the AED tot in these soil samples span from 12.0 mSv / year to 22.6 mSv / year , with an average value of 17.8 mSv / year . The total annual effective dose represents the estimated radiation dose received by individuals over the course of a year due to exposure to radon-222 and its decay products in the soil . This metric is crucial in assessing the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiation in the studied area .
Figures 3 – 5 depict separate graphs comparing radon concentrations in the Tulkarm , Jenin , and Tubas governorates . These visual representations serve to illustrate the variations in radon-222 levels among the three regions . According to the earlier statement , the average radon-222 concentration in the Jenin region was the highest among the three , followed by Tubas and then Tulkarm . These figures likely offer a graphical insight into this comparison , enabling a visual observation of the differences in radon-222 concentrations between the governorates .
Figure 6 displays the correlation between radium content ( C Ra ) and radon-222 concentration ( C Rn ) specifically in the Tulkarm Governorate . The purpose of this figure is to analyze the relationship between radium content and radon-222 concentrations in this region . By examining the scatter plot , one can deduce whether there is a correlation or association between these two variables . A positive correlation would suggest that higher radium content is associated with higher radon-222 concentrations , while a negative correlation indicates the opposite . This figure helps provide insights into the interdependence of radium content and radon-222 concentrations in the Tulkarm region .
Table 4 provides a comprehensive comparison of radon- 222 concentration levels in soil samples from the present study with data reported in other studies conducted in Palestine . This comparison suggests that the measured radon-222 levels in the
Nablus , Jenin , and Tubas regions are elevated in comparison to other areas in Palestine . The presence of elevated radon-222 levels in the soil implies a higher potential for radon-222 infiltrations into buildings and homes in these regions . Given that radon-222 is a radioactive gas that can seep from the ground and accumulate indoors , these findings underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing potential health risks associated with elevated radon-222 concentrations .
Monitoring radon-222 concentrations in indoor environments and adopting suitable ventilation or radon-222 mitigation strategies are crucial steps in minimizing potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radon-222 . This emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to ensure a healthier and safer living environment for the residents in these regions .
5 Discussion
As we mentioned earlier , the measurements indicate that the area under investigation display higher levels of radon-222 concentration in soil samples compared to other regions . This heightened concentration could be attributed to increased radium and uranium contents in these specific samples . Elevated radium values in specific samples may be linked to their association with phosphate , granite , sandstone , and quartzite . Radium , as a radioactive element , naturally occurs in soil , and its concentration can vary based on the geological composition of an area . Moreover , it is important to acknowledge that soil radon-222 concentrations can vary significantly based on factors such as weather conditions , climate , and soil type . Similar measurements conducted by different researchers have also highlighted this variability . This underscores the complex nature of radon-222 levels in soil and