Radon and Thoron; Radioactive Gases Lurking in Earthen Houses in Rural Kenya
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Date
2019
Authors
Chege, Margaret
Hashim, Nadir
Nyambura, Catherine
Mustapha, Amidu
Hosada, Masahiro
Tokonami, Shinji
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Public Health
Abstract
In this paper, documented studies on radon and thoron concentrations in earthen
dwellings and 238U and 232Th concentrations in soil in Kenya are reviewed. High
concentrations of the isotopes were recorded in the earthen dwellings despite being
generally well ventilated. Mrima Hill in the Coast region recorded the highest thoron levels
with a mean of 652 Bq m−3. Twenty five percent of dwellings had thoron concentration
in excess of 1,000 Bq m−3. Notably high indoor radon levels were recorded in Taita
Taveta also in the Coast region, and in Kenyatta University situated in Nairobi in the
Central region of the country. Radon concentration in the Rift Valley region was found
to be too low to contribute significantly to radiation exposure. Based on studies on the
concentration of 238U and 232Th in soil, the Southwestern region of the country was
anticipated to have elevated radon/thoron concentrations in earthen dwellings. Existing
studies involving measurement of indoor radon and thoron, and 226Ra and 232Th in soil
are relatively few and of a small scale. More extensive studies are therefore necessary
not only to corroborate the risk projections but to also generate sufficient data to enable
countrywide mapping of indoor radon/thoron risk-prone areas.
Description
article
Keywords
radon, thoron, lung cancer, mud-walled, traditional dwellings
Citation
Chege M, Hashim N, Nyambura C, Mustapha A, Hosada M and Tokonami S (2019) Radon and Thoron; Radioactive Gases Lurking in Earthen Houses in Rural Kenya. Front. Public Health 7:113. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00113