Journal of radiological science and technology (대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학)

Korean Society of Radiological Science (대한방사선과학회)
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Radon Hazard Review of Spilled Groundwater and Tap Water in Incheon Metropolitan City Subway Station

인천광역시 지하철 역사 내 지하수 및 수돗물의 라돈 위해성 검토

  • Lee, Yoo-Sang (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Lee, Sang-Bok (Dept., of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School) ;
  • Kang, Min-Seok (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Jeong, Dong-Ha (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Kim, Jin-Hong (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Oh, Yoon-Sik (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Choi, Se-Rin (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University) ;
  • Park, Jeong-Soo (Dept., of Radioactivity Test & Analysis Center, Sunkwang T&S) ;
  • Kim, Sungchul (Dept., of Radiological Science, Gachon University)
  • 이유상 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 이상복 (가천대학교 일반대학원 보건과학과) ;
  • 강민석 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 정동하 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 김진홍 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 오윤식 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 최세린 (가천대학교 방사선학과) ;
  • 박정수 (선광티앤에스 방사능시험분석센터) ;
  • 김성철 (가천대학교 방사선학과)
  • Received : 2021.11.11
  • Accepted : 2021.12.13
  • Published : 2021.12.31
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Abstract

Interest in the everyday hazards of radon has recently increased as such, this study attempted to examine the dangers of radon in spilled groundwater by comparing the radon concentrations of the drained groundwater and tap water used in recirculating systems in Incheon Subway restrooms. At five stations of Incheon Subway Line 1 and three stations of Line 2, drained groundwater is recirculated and used in restrooms for toilet flushing. Stations restroom tap water for hand washing that used as a control and the measured values of each were compared. With the cooperation of Incheon Transportation Corporation, samples of spilled groundwater and tap water were collected sealed to prevent contact with the air, and a DURRIDGE RAD7 was used as the experimental equipment. The collected samples were subjected to radial equilibration for approximately 3.5 h, at which the radon concentration reached its maximum, and then calculated as 10 measurements using the RAD7 underwater radon measurement mode. In all eight stations, the radon concentration in tap water was lower than the recommended amount. However, in an average of 7 out of the eight stations, the radon concentration in the effluent groundwater was 100 times higher than that in tap water. Since high radon concentrations in groundwater runoff can be harmful to humans, and there is no accurate standard for radon concentrations in domestic water, it is necessary to continuously monitor radon in water and prepare a guidance of recommended values.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We thank the officials of Incheon Transportation Corporation for allowing sample collection for this study.

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