Life exposure to ²²⁶Ra and possible consequences

Abstract

This paper presents a model of continuous exposure to ²²⁶Ra by water consumption over a 55-year period. The effects of ²²⁶Ra concentration in drinking water were investigated. Reaching the peak at the age of 16, the assessed effective dose has shown that children are more sensitive to radiation than adults. It has been found that consumption of ²²⁶Ra–rich water during certain period of life increases consequent effective doses. The earlier the exposure, the higher amount of ²²⁶Ra could be retained causing the higher values of effective dose later in life. However, long-term exposure to ²²⁶Ra in drinking water as well as consumption of ²²⁶Ra-rich water during a certain period of life does not indicate the appearance of malignant diseases in the year of exposure and later in adults.

Keywords:

• ²²⁶Ra
• water
• dose
• life exposure
• extreme exposure
• cancer risk.