Measurement of 238 U, 232 Th, 222 Rn and 220 Rn Contents in Optical Contact Lenses: Resulting Alpha and Beta Equivalent Doses to the Eye Tissues of Adult Patients.

ABSTRACT: To estimate equivalent doses received by eye tissues of patients, contents of uranium ( 238 U), thorium ( 232 Th), radon ( 222 Rn), and thoron ( 220 Rn) were determined inside various optical contact lenses used for vision correction. 238 U, 232 Th, 222 Rn, and 220 Rn contents varied between (3.44 ± 0.24) mBq kg -1 and (18.3 ± 1.28) mBq kg -1 , (0.57 ± 0.04) mBq kg -1 and (3.53 ± 0.25) mBq kg -1 , (3.44 ± 0.24) mBq kg -1 and (18.3 ± 1.28) mBq kg -1 , and (0.57 ± 0.04) mBq kg -1 and (3.53 ± 0.25) mBq kg -1 , respectively. New external dosimetric models, depending on the cornea eye surface of patients, 238 U, 232 Th, and 222 Rn concentrations inside optical contact lenses, half-life of the emitting radionuclides, and exposure time of patients, have been developed. It has been shown that alpha-particles emitted by the 238 U and 232 Th series inside the studied optical lenses transfer their energies essentially to the cornea tissues whereas the emitted beta-particles may reach and lose their energies in the crystalline lens of eyes of patients. Alpha-equivalent doses received by eye tissues of patients due to the diffusion of 222 Rn and 220 Rn gases present in the considered optical lenses were determined. The higher value of the total (alpha plus beta) equivalent dose to the left and right eyes of adult patients wearing optical contact lenses (14 hours per day) has been found equal to 1.32 mSv y -1 cm - 2 . It is recommended for patients to reduce the wearing period of optical contact lenses to reduce eye disease risks such as cataract.

Study of the transfer of 238U, 232Th and 222Rn radionuclides from soil to cereal plants and root vegetables in a semi-arid area: Resulting radiation doses to rural consumers.

Cereals and vegetables, widely consumed by Moroccan rural populations, are locally produced without using fertilizers. To explore the exposure pathway of 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn to the human body, we measured the contents of these radionuclides in various compartments of cereal plants and root vegetables. Contents of these radionuclides were also measured in the soils in which the cereal plants and root vegetables were grown in a semi-arid area. These measurements were completed by an investigation of the 238U, and 232Th transfers between cereal plants and root vegetables and their corresponding soils. Committed effective doses to different age groups of consumers due to 238U, 232Th and 222Rn from the ingestion of cereals and root vegetables studied were evaluated. The maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th and 222Rn from the ingestion of the considered grain cereals and root vegetables by adult members of a rural population was found to be equal to 11.7 µ Sv y-1.

Assessment of Alpha Doses Received by Spa Workers Due to the Inhalation of 214 Po and 218 Po Radon Progeny.

ABSTRACT: In Morocco spas are more and more frequented by bathers for massages, body treatments, and aromatherapy and hair services, among others. Alpha-activities due to 222 Rn, 220 Rn and their progeny have been evaluated inside spa room atmospheres by means of a technique based on using two types of solid-state nuclear track detectors. 222 Rn and 220 Rn concentrations ranged between (67 ± 5 and 103 ± 7) Bq m -3 and (5.5 ± 0.4 and 9.8 ± 0.7) Bq m -3 for the studied spa rooms, respectively. The influence of ventilation rate in spa rooms on 222 Rn and 220 Rn concentrations has been studied. Alpha-activities due to the attached and unattached fractions of 214 Po and 218 Po radon progeny have been evaluated in various compartments of the respiratory system of spa working personnel. It has been shown that the majority of 214 Po and 218 Po radon progeny are attached to aerosols inside the considered spa rooms. Alpha-doses to the respiratory tract tissues of spa working personnel due to the energy loss of the emitted alpha-particles were evaluated. It has been shown that alpha-doses to the respiratory system of spa working personnel are influenced by exposure time of workers, mass of respiratory system target tissues, and radon concentration inside the studied spa rooms. The largest value of alpha-dose due to the 214 Po and 218 Po radon progeny from inhalation of air by female workers working 2,080 hours per year in the studied spa rooms was found equal to 5.16 mSv y -1 .

Study of Alpha and Beta Radioactivity of Clay Originating from Radionuclides Belonging to the 238U and 232Th Families: Doses to the Skin of Potters.

ABSTRACT: Pottery objects are presently more and more used for decoration in homes and hotels. To assess radiological hazards to potters, 238U, 232Th, 222Rn, and 220Rn radionuclides were analyzed in different clay body samples used for pottery production by means of CR-39 and LR-115 II track detectors. Data obtained were compared to those gotten by means of isotope dilution mass spectrometry. Annual equivalent doses to the skin of potters resulting from the energy loss of alpha-particles emitted by the radionuclides of the 238U and 232Th radioactive families were evaluated. Estimates of the annual equivalent doses to the skin of potters due to the emitted alpha-particles ranged between 6.45 mSy y-1 cm-2 and 17.50 mSy y-1 cm-2 and between 1.87 mSy y-1 cm-2 and 5.33 mSy y-1 cm-2, respectively. Annual equivalent doses received by the skin of potters due to beta-particles (ß-) emitted by the radionuclides of the 238U and 232Th series inside the studied clay body samples were determined. Alpha equivalent doses to the skin of potters resulting from the diffusion of 222Rn and 220Rn gases present in the studied clay body samples were calculated. A total maximum annual equivalent dose of 23.0 mSv y-1 cm-2, resulting from the energy loss of alpha and beta minus particles emitted by the radionuclides of the 238U and 232Th series, was found for potters working 8 h d-1(6 d wk-1, 49.28 wk y-1).

Dose to Medical Personnel.

Radioiodine I is successfully used in nuclear medicine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. This radionuclide emits ß particles used for the treatment and gamma photons used for diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine gamma radiation doses received by medical personnel situated at a distance of 1 m from patients having ingested I for the treatment of hyperthyroidism diseases. Indeed, gamma doses were calculated using a Monte Carlo code based on simulating the interaction processes of gamma photons emitted by I in the thyroid gland, air, and an ambient flow meter placed at a distance of 1 m from the thyroid gland to measure the administered I activity. The thyroid volume of patients was measured by means of a gamma camera. Gamma dose equivalent rates were measured by means of an ambient flow meter situated at a distance of 1 m from the thyroid of the treated patients. Data obtained by the Monte Carlo and experimental methods were found to be in good agreement with each other.

Measurement of radon, thoron and their daughters in the air of marble factories and resulting alpha-radiation doses to the lung of workers.

Concentrations of radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) were measured in the air of different marble factories by using a nuclear track technique. The influence of the marble dust nature and ventilation on radon and thoron concentrations was investigated. It was observed that measured radon and thoron concentration ranged from 310 to 903 Bq m-3 and 6 to 48 Bq m-3, respectively. In addition, alpha-activities due to the unattached and attached fractions of 218Po and 214Po radon short-lived progeny were evaluated in the marble factories studied. Committed equivalent doses due to the attached and unattached fractions of 218Po and 214Po nuclei were evaluated in the lung tissues of marble factory workers. The dependence of the resulting committed equivalent dose on the concentration of the attached and unattached fractions of the 218Po and 214Po radionuclides and mass of the tissue was investigated. The resulting annual committed effective doses to the lung of marble factory workers due to the attached and unattached fractions of the 218Po and 214Po radionuclides were calculated. The obtained results show that about 80% of the global committed effective doses received by workers in the studied marble factories are due to the attached fraction of the 218Po and 214Po radon short-lived daughters from the inhalation of polluted air. Male workers spending 8 h per day (2080 h per year) in a marble factory receive a maximum dose of 34.46 mSv y-1 which is higher than the (3-10 mSv y-1) dose limit interval given by the ICRP. Good agreement was found between data obtained for the average effective dose gotten by using this method and the UNSCEAR and ICRP conversion dose coefficients.

Analysis of 238U, 232TH, 222RN, AND 220RN in Fresh and Canned Marine Fish Samples Using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors and Resulting Alpha Radiation Doses to Adult Consumers.

Consumption of seafoods has increased during the last two decades in many countries. In Morocco, annual fresh marine fish consumption has increased significantly due to the existence of modern fish markets in major cities. To explore the exposure pathway of U, Th, Rn, and Rn radionuclides to the human body of consumers, these radionuclides were measured in various fresh and canned marine fish samples widely consumed by the Moroccan population by using two types of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). A census was taken of the fresh and canned marine fish consumed by adult members of the public and building material workers. Committed equivalent doses due to annual intakes of U, Th, Rn, and Rn were determined in the organs of adult members of the urban Moroccan population from the ingestion of fresh and canned marine fish samples. The influence of pollution caused by building material dusts on committed effective doses to workers due to the U, Th, Rn, and Rn radionuclides from the ingestion of canned fish samples was investigated.

222Rn, 220Rn and Their Progenies Measured in the Air of Different Dwellings and Workplaces and Resulting Alpha Radiation Doses to the Eyes of Individuals.

In order to assess radiation doses to the eyes of individuals, concentrations of Rn, Rn and their decay products were measured in different dwelling rooms, café rooms and vehicle repair shops by using two different types of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The influence of building materials, pollution and ventilation rate on radon and thoron alpha-activities inside the studied locations has been investigated. A new dosimetric model was developed for evaluating radiation doses to the eyes of individuals due to alpha particles emitted by the radon and thoron series in the air of the studied dwelling rooms, café rooms, and vehicle repair shops. The influence of the radon and thoron activities in the air of the studied locations, as well as exposure time on committed equivalent dose to the eyes of individuals, was investigated. A maximum value of the committed equivalent dose to the eyes of individuals due to alpha particles emitted by the radon and thoron series was found equal to 0.1 mSv y cm. Committed equivalent dose to the eyes of individuals due to the diffusion of the Rn and Rn gases present in ambient air of the studied locations has been evaluated.

Measurement of 238U and 232Th in Petrol, Gas-oil and Lubricant Samples by Using Nuclear Track Detectors and Resulting Radiation Doses to the Skin of Mechanic Workers.

Workers in repair shops of vehicles (cars, buses, truck, etc.) clean carburetors, check fuel distribution, and perform oil changes and greasing. To explore the exposure pathway of (238)U and (232)Th and its decay products to the skin of mechanic workers, these radionuclides were measured inside petrol, gas-oil, and lubricant material samples by means of CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs), and corresponding annual committed equivalent doses to skin were determined. The maximum total equivalent effective dose to skin due to the (238)U and (232)Th series from the application of different petrol, gas-oil, and lubricant samples by mechanic workers was found equal to 1.2 mSv y(-1) cm(-2).

Radon and Thoron Measured in Petrol and Gas-oil Exhaust Fumes by Using CR-39 and LR-115 II Nuclear Track Detectors: Radiation Doses to the Respiratory Tract of Mechanic Workers.

Mechanic workers are exposed to exhaust fumes when controlling vehicle engines in motion inside repair shops. To assess radiation doses due to radon short-lived progeny from the inhalation of exhaust fumes by mechanic workers, concentrations of these radionuclides were measured in petrol (gasoline) and gas-oil exhaust fumes by evaluating mean critical angles of etching of the CR-39 and LR-115 type II SSNTDs for alpha particles emitted by the radon and thoron decay series. Committed effective doses due to ²¹8Po and ²¹4Po short-lived radon decay products from the inhalation of petrol and gas-oil exhaust fumes by workers were evaluated. A maximum value of 1.35 mSv y⁻¹ due to radon short-lived decay products from the inhalation of gas-oil exhaust fumes by mechanic workers was found, which is lower than the (3-10 mSv y⁻¹) dose limit interval for workers.

Attached and unattached fractions of short-lived radon decay products in outdoor environments: effect on the human respiratory system.

The authors developed a model for determining the alpha- and beta-activities per unit volume of air due to radon ((222)Rn), thoron ((220)Rn) and their decay products attached and unattached to the aerosol in the outdoor air at the workplace in natural conditions at different locations in Morocco by using both CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors. In addition, the percentage of (218)Po, (214)Pb and (214)Po radionuclides attached to the aerosols and the unattached fraction f(j) for different values of the attachment rate were evaluated. Radon and thoron concentrations in outdoor air of the studied different locations were found to vary from 9.20±0.8 to 16.30±1.50 Bq m(-3) and 0.22±0.02 to 1.80±0.20 Bq m(-3), respectively. The committed equivalent doses due to the radon short-lived progeny (218)Po and (214)Po attached and unattached to the aerosol air were evaluated in different tissues of the respiratory tract of the members of the public from the inhalation of outdoor air.

Radiation doses to individuals due to ²³8U, ²³²Th and ²²²Rn from the immersion in thermal waters and to radon progeny from the inhalation of air inside thermal stations.

In Morocco, thermal waters have been used for decades for the treatment of various diseases. To explore the exposure pathway of (238)U, (232)Th and (222)Rn to the skin of bathers from the immersion in thermal waters, these radionuclides were measured inside waters collected from different Moroccan thermal springs, by means of CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs), and corresponding annual committed effective doses to skin were determined. Accordingly, to assess radiation dose due to radon short-lived decay products from the inhalation of air by individuals, concentrations of these radionuclides were measured in indoor air of two thermal stations by evaluating mean critical angles of etching of the CR-39 and LR-115 II SSNTDs. Committed effective doses due to the short-lived radon decay products (218)Po and (214)Po by bathers and working personnel inside the thermal stations studied were determined.

Annual committed effective dose from olive oil (due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn) estimated for members of the Moroccan public from ingestion and skin application.

Olive oil is traditionally refined and widely consumed by Moroccan rural populations. Uranium (238U), thorium (232Th), radon (222Rn), and thoron (220Rn) contents were measured in various locally produced olive oil samples collected in rural areas of Morocco. These radionuclides were also measured inside various bottled virgin olive oils consumed by the Moroccan populations. CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) were used. Annual committed effective doses due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn from the ingestion of olive oil by the members of the general public were determined. The maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn from the ingestion of olive oil by adult members of Moroccan rural populations was found equal to 5.9 µSv y-1. The influence of pollution due to building material dusts and phosphates on the radiation dose to workers from the ingestion of olive oil was investigated, and it was found that the maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn was on the order of 0.22 mSy y-1. Committed effective doses to skin due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn from the application of olive oil masks by rural women were evaluated. The maximum total committed effective dose to skin due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn was found equal to 0.07 mSy y-1 cm-2.

Determination of committed effective doses to skin due to ²³8U, ²³²Th and ²²²Rn from the application of various Moroccan black soap (Saboun Beldi) samples by members of the general public.

(238)U, (232)Th, (222)Rn and (220)Rn concentrations were measured inside various Moroccan black soap samples widely used by the Moroccan population in traditional baths (Hammans) by using both CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors. The measured (238)U, (232)Th, (222)Rn and (220)Rn concentrations, respectively, ranged from (3.7 ± 0.2) to (11.7 ± 0.7) mBq kg(-1), (0.11 ± 0.01) to (0.32 ± 0.02) mBq kg(-1), (3.8 ± 0.2) to (11.6 ± 0.6) Bq kg(-1) and (0.10 ± 0.01) to (0.31 ± 0.02) Bq kg(-1) for the Moroccan black soap samples studied. The influence of pollution on the concentrations of these radionuclides inside the considered Moroccan black soap was investigated. A new dosimetric model for evaluating annual committed effective doses due to (238)U, (232)Th and (222)Rn to the skin of different age groups of the Moroccan populations from the application of the black soap samples studied was developed. The maximum total committed effective dose to the skin due to (238)U, (232)Th and (222)Rn from the application of unpolluted black soap samples 20 min per week by the Moroccan populations was found to be equal to (0.88 ± 0.05) µ Sv y(-1) cm(-2).

Concentrations of 222Rn, 220Rn and their decay products measured in outdoor air in various rural zones (Morocco) by using solid-state nuclear track detectors and resulting radiation dose to the rural populations.

Alpha and beta activities per unit volume of air due to radon ((222)Rn), thoron ((220)Rn) and their progenies were measured in the outdoor air at different locations in Morocco by using both CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). In addition, the radon concentration was continuously measured in one location by using the methods with SSNTDs and AlphaGuard counter. The influence of the geological and meteorological conditions as well as phosphate and building material dust on the radon concentration in the outdoor air of the areas studied was investigated. The committed equivalent doses due to (218)Po and (214)Po radon short-lived progeny were evaluated in different tissues of the respiratory tract of the members of the public from the inhalation of outdoor air. The annual effective dose due to radon short-lived progeny from the inhalation of outdoor air by the members of the rural population was estimated.

Analysis of 238U, 232Th, 222Rn, and 220Rn in different medical drug preparations by using CR-39 and LR-115 typE II SSNTDs and resulting radiation doses to adult patients.

Uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) concentrations as well as radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) alpha activities per unit volume have been measured inside 18 medical drugs (4 liquid and 14 solid materials), widely prescribed by doctors to the Moroccan adult patients, by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The measured 238U, 232Th, 222Rn, and 220Rn concentrations ranged from (4.7 +/- 0.1) mBq L-1 to (14.3 +/- 0.7) mBq L-1, (0.32 +/- 0.02) mBq L-1 to (2.7 +/- 0.2) mBq L-1, (4.7 +/- 0.2) Bq L-1 to (14.3 +/- 0.7) Bq L-1, and (0.32 +/- 0.02) Bq L-1 to (2.7 +/- 0.2) Bq L-1 for the medical drug samples studied, respectively. These radionuclides were also measured inside the preparations of the solid medical drugs studied. The influence of the drinking water nature and pollution on the concentrations of these radionuclides inside the considered medical drug preparations was investigated. Annual committed equivalent doses due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn were evaluated in the human body compartments of adult patients from the ingestion of the medical drug preparations studied. The maximum total committed effective dose due to 238U, 232Th, and 222Rn from the ingestion of the studied medical drug preparations, prepared from unpolluted waters, by adult patients was found equal to 1.44 microSv y.

Study of pollution in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal zone (Morocco) by using PIXE and SSNTD methods.

In this work, PIXE experiments were performed for measuring heavy and light elements' (ranging from aluminium to lead) concentrations inside various polluted and unpolluted soils as well as liquid samples collected from different phosphate factory sewers in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal region (Morocco). In addition, uranium ((238)U) and thorium ((232)Th) contents were evaluated in the same samples studied by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The influence of the phosphate industry wastes on the concentrations of both radioactive and non-radioactive elements of the samples studied was investigated.

222RN and 220RN concentrations measured in various natural honey samples by using nuclear track detectors and resulting radiation doses to the members of the rural populations in Morocco.

Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) concentrations were measured in sixteen natural honey material samples collected from different regions in Morocco by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The concentrations of these radionuclides were also measured in nectar solutions corresponding to the studied honey samples. The measured concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn in honey samples ranged from (2.3 +/- 0.2) to (8.1 +/- 0.6) Bq.l(-1) and (1.8 +/- 0.1) to (3.9 +/- 0.3) Bq.l(-1), respectively. Committed equivalent doses due to annual intakes of 222Rn were evaluated in the human gastrointestinal tract compartments of adult members of the Moroccan populations from the ingestion of studied honey samples. The influence of the target tissue mass and activities due to 222Rn on the annual committed equivalent doses in the compartments of the human gastrointestinal tract was investigated.

Radon, thoron and their decay products in natural caves with nuclear track detectors.

Alpha and beta activities per unit volume of air due to radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their progenies were measured in the air of natural caves by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid-state nuclear track detectors. Equilibrium factors between radon and its daughters and between thoron and its progeny were evaluated in the atmospheres studied.

238U, 232Th, 222Rn, AND 220Rn concentrations measured in various bottled mineral waters and resulting radiation doses to the members of the European population living in the city of Marrakech (Morocco).

U, Th, Rn, and Rn concentrations were measured in thirteen bottled mineral water samples from Morocco, France, and Italy widely consumed by the European population living in the city of Marrakech (Morocco) by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). K contents were also evaluated in the same mineral water samples. The measured concentrations of U, Th, Rn, Rn, and K ranged from (4.2 +/- 0.2) mBq L to (8.6 +/- 0.6) mBq L, (0.90 +/- 0.05) mBq L to (3.4 +/- 0.3) mBq L, (4.2 +/- 0.2) Bq L to (8.6 +/- 0.6) Bq L, (0.91 +/- 0.06) Bq L to (3.4 +/- 0.2) Bq L and 15 mBq L to 1,082 mBq L, respectively. Alpha activities due to the annual intakes of U, Th, and Rn were assessed in the tissues and organs of the human body of the considered consumers. Committed equivalent doses due to annual intakes of U, Th, and Rn were evaluated in the human body compartments of adult members of the European population living in Marrakech. The influence of the target tissue mass and activities due to U, Th, and Rn on the annual committed equivalent doses in the compartments of the human body was investigated.