Radiation dose from dissolved radon in potable waters of the Bangalore environment, South India.

Potable waters from various locations of the Bangalore environment were investigated for their 222Rn concentrations by the emanometry method. About 94 groundwater (borewell) samples were analysed for 222Rn concentrations and found to vary in the range 5.3–283.4 Bq L-1 with a mean value of 87 Bq L-1. Frequency distribution showed the 222Rn concentration in a large number of samples in the range of 0–50 Bq L-1. From the measured concentrations, the effective doses (lung and stomach) for the population of the region were estimated. The effective dose was found to vary from 42.6 to 2280.2 µSv y-1 with a mean value 702.5 µSv y-1. The effect of boiling of water showed a drastic reduction in the 222Rn concentration. The results of the present investigation are systematically analysed, compared with the literature values and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]