Radon activity concentration RnCA and workers lung cancer risks in SENA coal mines, Colombia.

ABSTRACT

The risk of lung cancer or pneumoconiosis mortality, increases with radioactive radon gas exposures. This article report health risk for underground workers exposed to radioactive gas and radon daughters carried by airborne dust at the coal mining in the Central Mountainous Region of Colombia. A set of 33 measurement points located in that mine galleries were selected to monitor radon gas concentration activity, by passive LR-115 detectors, during two months. Resulting values provided radon concentrations, absorbed dose, environmental equivalent dose and the effective dose; miners increased risk of contracting lung cancer is included. It is concluded that the mine ventilation system satisfies the conditions required by the current radiological protection of the miners. Our study point out that Colombia can effectively address the potential risks associated with radon exposure and ensure a safer living environment for its citizens.