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Thoron Exposure of Man: A Negligible Issue?
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1994
Year
Thoron ExposureRadioactive ContaminationRadiation ExposureAir QualityExposure AssessmentPotential Health EffectsDecay ProductsEnvironmental ExposureEnvironmental HealthToxicologyPublic HealthRadon Decay ProductsNuclear MedicineRadiologyHuman ExposureEcotoxicologyRadiation DoseEnvironmental ToxicologyAir PollutionIndoor Air QualityMedicine
Abstract The existing database on thoron (Tn) in the environment, the experimental validation of dosimetric models and potential health effects are scarce. Available information on Tn and its decay products (Tn-d) indoors and outdoors is associated with partly significant uncertainties due to methodological shortcomings. Dosimetric modelling reveals that ThB (212Pb) data are to be considered as the most important input parameter. Under typical indoor exposure conditions the dose due to Tn-d is about one order of magnitude less than from radon decay products (Rn-d). However, special circumstances have been identified where the Tn-dose contribution can exceed the corresponding Rn-d values. Several health effects have been associated with elevated exposure among workers in thoron-related industries and residents in high thoron background areas.