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An investigation of radon and heavy metal detection for cancer patients in Barji village, in the Iraqi Kurdistan region
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I.M. Kareem   , M.I. Umer , M-T.S. Albrifkany , N.A. Karim , M.Y. Fatah , H.R. Abdo |
| Soil & Water Department, College of Agricultural Science Engineering, Duhok University, Duhok City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq , mustafa.umer@uod.ac |
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Abstract: (35 Views) |
Background: Exposure to radiological agents such as natural radon gas and consumption of heavy metals in edible plants are two potential causes of unusual cancer in Berje village near Amedi town in Duhok city in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Material and Methods: Samples of soil, fruits, and vegetables were collected at various stages in the village, particularly at locations close to the homes of cancer patients. The collected samples underwent digestion and heavy metal absorption tests to detect ratio of heavy metal content as well as in their contents of radon. Results: showed that both heavy metals and radon gas in all samples were with different ratios. Moreover, results revealed that the evolution of radon ranged between 51.375 and 170.25 Bq.m-3, which is within the normal range of radon emission for soil sample. Similarly, results demonstrated that the average content of radon ranged between 0 and 24.1 Bq/kg in most fruits and vegetables which are within the allowable range. However, cadmium was found to be in marginal limits as target hazard quotient (THQ) for lead was greater than 1. Furthermore, bioaccumulation factors of tested fruits and vegetables were less than 1. Conclusion: The translocation of radon from soil to plants is only hazardous for tomatoes and common purslane. Furthermore, health risk index (HRI) of lead and cadmium was between 1 and 5, which indicates a threat to human health. The hazardous index (HI) was also larger than 1, which implies that heavy metals had significant non-carcinogenic effects on human health. The study found that the target cancer risk (TCR) of lead was low as results demonstrated that heavy metal content was within allowable range. |
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| Keywords: Radon Exposure, heavy metals health risk index, hazardous index, bioaccumulation factor. |
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Full-Text [PDF 630 kb]
(15 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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