Medición de las concentraciones de radón 222 en muestras de orina de personas con diferente edad, género y estado de salud de la ciudad de Riobamba provincia de Chimborazo

Abstract

The aim of the research project was to determine the concentration of radon 222 activity in urine samples collected from people of different age, gender, and health status in the city of Riobamba using electrets. The evaluation was carried out in two processes (water and urine) proposed by the Methodological Guide for the Determination of Radon Concentration in Urine Samples. For this purpose, water samples were collected from a spring with different amounts of salt (0, 5g, 10g, 15g and 20g) to establish a relationship on the dependence of radon concentration on urine salinity. A protocol for sampling, transport, and storage of the samples (water and urine) was applied. The values that determined the use of this technique were: for water samples without salt a value of 13.43 (Bq/l), samples with 20g a value of 5.09 (Bq/l) and urine samples ranging from Low Detection Level (LOD) to 26553 (Bq/m3); this evaluation determined that salinity affects radon exhalation and is an effect to be considered in the analysis of urine samples. The result of this study was a correction factor in which the corrected radon concentration is higher than the measured value by about 12%; therefore, the sample of the population studied shows concentrations higher than the reference level recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Based on this analysis, it is recommended to carry out an analysis in places where direct and more precise methods do not exist; furthermore, to continue with the analysis of radon concentrations in biological samples and their relationship with cancer.