Radon Concentration Survey in Settlements Located in Uranium Mining Territory in Northern Kazakhstan

Yerlan Kashkinbayev, Danara Ibrayeva (), Moldir Aumalikova, Elena Saifulina, Dinara Bizhanova, Elvira Mussayeva, Aigerim Shokabayeva, Madina Kairullova, Anel Lesbek, Baglan Kazhiyakhmetova and Meirat Bakhtin
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Yerlan Kashkinbayev: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Danara Ibrayeva: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Moldir Aumalikova: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Elena Saifulina: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Dinara Bizhanova: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Elvira Mussayeva: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Aigerim Shokabayeva: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Madina Kairullova: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Anel Lesbek: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Baglan Kazhiyakhmetova: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Meirat Bakhtin: International Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, nJSC Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 5, 1-11

Abstract: Among the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan is experiencing significant growth in uranium production and plays a key role in the mining industry. The aim of this study was to assess environmental gamma radiation levels and indoor radon concentrations in the settlements of Aqsu, Saumalkol, and Arykbalyk—situated in regions with a history of uranium mining activities—to evaluate potential radiation exposure risks to the local population. Measurements of ambient gamma radiation dose rates indicated that Saumalkol exhibited the highest variability, with recorded values reaching up to 0.56 ± 0.19 µSv/h, suggesting potential influence from abandoned mining areas. The equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon revealed severe contamination in Aqsu (mean: 303 ± 57 Bq/m 3 , max: 4974 Bq/m 3 ) and Saumalkol (mean: 658 ± 114 Bq/m 3 , max: 2470 Bq/m 3 ). These findings underscore the need for immediate intervention measures such as improved ventilation and radon mitigation strategies to reduce exposure risks and protect residents from radiation-induced health hazards. This study presents a screening method to identify areas with potential radon risks. However, radon dose assessment requires long-term measurements for accurate evaluation of exposure levels and health risks, with extended monitoring needed for comprehensive assessment.

Keywords: uranium mining; radon exposure; equivalent equilibrium volume activity; radiation exposure risks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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