INFLUENCE OF AIRWAY GEOMETRY ON RADON RISK ASSESSMENT IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN (MICRODOSIMETRIC APPROACH)
Author:
Böhm Radoslav1,
Bulko Martin1,
Holý Karol1
Affiliation:
1. Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics Comenius University , Mlynská dolina F1, 842 48 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this work was to use the microdosimetric threshold energy model to study the effects of alpha-emitting 222Rn progeny on the probability of developing lung cancer. The results suggest that the radiation risk may increase by several times as the thickness of the surface layer decreases. The thicker the protective mucus layer and the deeper the sensitive target cells are located in the tissue, the less radiation damage the same dose produces. These findings have been applied to children of various ages. As children grow older, their lungs enlarge, the mucus layer thickens and the cells sensitive to radiation damage move deeper into the lung tissue, resulting in a reduction of radiation risk. The fraction of affected target cells is not only a function of dose but also of lung tissue depth. The results indicate that children can be several times more vulnerable to radiation than adults.
Funder
Slovak Academy of Sciences
Sport of the Slovak Republic
Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging,General Medicine,Radiation,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
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