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Radon Concentration Survey in Settlements Located in Uranium Mining Territory in Northern Kazakhstan

Author

Listed:
  • Yerlan Kashkinbayev

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Danara Ibrayeva

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Moldir Aumalikova

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Elena Saifulina

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Dinara Bizhanova

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Elvira Mussayeva

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Aigerim Shokabayeva

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Madina Kairullova

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Anel Lesbek

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Baglan Kazhiyakhmetova

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

  • Meirat Bakhtin

    (International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Among the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan is experiencing significant growth in uranium production and plays a key role in the mining industry. The aim of this study was to assess environmental gamma radiation levels and indoor radon concentrations in the settlements of Aqsu, Saumalkol, and Arykbalyk—situated in regions with a history of uranium mining activities—to evaluate potential radiation exposure risks to the local population. Measurements of ambient gamma radiation dose rates indicated that Saumalkol exhibited the highest variability, with recorded values reaching up to 0.56 ± 0.19 µSv/h, suggesting potential influence from abandoned mining areas. The equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon revealed severe contamination in Aqsu (mean: 303 ± 57 Bq/m 3 , max: 4974 Bq/m 3 ) and Saumalkol (mean: 658 ± 114 Bq/m 3 , max: 2470 Bq/m 3 ). These findings underscore the need for immediate intervention measures such as improved ventilation and radon mitigation strategies to reduce exposure risks and protect residents from radiation-induced health hazards. This study presents a screening method to identify areas with potential radon risks. However, radon dose assessment requires long-term measurements for accurate evaluation of exposure levels and health risks, with extended monitoring needed for comprehensive assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Yerlan Kashkinbayev & Danara Ibrayeva & Moldir Aumalikova & Elena Saifulina & Dinara Bizhanova & Elvira Mussayeva & Aigerim Shokabayeva & Madina Kairullova & Anel Lesbek & Baglan Kazhiyakhmetova & Mei, 2025. "Radon Concentration Survey in Settlements Located in Uranium Mining Territory in Northern Kazakhstan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:723-:d:1648169
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francesco Caridi & Giuseppe Paladini & Francesco Gregorio & Stefania Lanza & Gabriele Lando & Marco Sfacteria & Stefania Tuccinardi & Marta Venuti & Paola Cardiano & Domenico Majolino & Valentina Venu, 2025. "Natural Radioactivity Content and Radon Exhalation Rate Assessment for Building Materials from the Archaeological Park of Tindari, Sicily, Southern Italy: A Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-12, March.
    2. Mirsina Mousavi Aghdam & Quentin Crowley & Carlos Rocha & Valentina Dentoni & Stefania Da Pelo & Stephanie Long & Maxime Savatier, 2021. "A Study of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radon/Thoron Release Potential of Bedrock and Soil in Southeastern Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-18, March.
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