The biokinetics and dosimetry of radon-222 in the human body following ingestion of groundwater

Abstract

This paper presents a general model for the biokinetics of Rn-222 in the adult human body following ingestion of the radon in water. Such a model is needed for the calculation of doses which would result from the ingestion of radon, a natural component of drinking water supplies. Information on the movement and concentration of xenon in the body was obtained from a separate study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital. This information was used to develop a model of radon kinetics in the body and estimates were obtained of the rate constants associated with transfer between the various body compartments. The model was then used to develop estimates of the dose equivalent delivered to each tissue or organ of the body following ingestion of 1 Bq of radon in water. From the reported results, it appears that the stomach receives a much larger dose equivalent than other organs and tissues, followed in order by the other segments of the gastro-intestinal or Gl tract, the liver, the lungs and the general body water compartment. A comparison is made between these doses and the doses delivered as a result of exposure to airborne radon. © 1989 Sciences and Technology Letters.