An Estimate of Population Exposures Due to Radon in Public Water Supplies in the Area of Houston, Texas

Abstract

An estimate of the incremental population lung exposures (WLM) attributable to the domestic use of ground waters containing 222Rn is made for the vicinity of Houston, Texas. Because of the complexity of the water distribution system, extensive water sampling was required to characterize the concentration of radon in the water in various areas. Models describing the transfer of radon from water to indoor air and the resulting indoor concentrations were developed and experimentally tested. Census data on population and housing characteristics were folded into the final model used to compute an annual population exposure of 4000 WLM (approx. 40,000 rem) to the 1.6 million inhabitants of the study area. The resulting estimates are discussed in the context of similar exposures brought about by other technological activities.