Simulation excess lifetime lung cancer risk due to indoor radon exposure in Eastern Iran - Monte Carlo Simulation method

Indoor environmental radiation, primarily from natural radionuclides, can pose a significant health risk due to continuous exposure. This study investigated the excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) associated with indoor radon exposure in Gonabad, eastern Iran, using the Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method. CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) were employed to measure radon levels in 50 samples across various geographical directions. The highest ELCR was observed at location S23, with a value of 64 Bq/m³, while the lowest ELCR was found at location S25, with a value of 1 Bq/m³. Further analysis using Duncan's multiple comparison tests revealed significant differences in radon concentration among geographical groups (P ≤ 0.05). MCS analysis indicated that a majority of the population had a relatively low ELCR (approximately 0.001). Notably, individuals aged 65 and over exhibited a higher ELCR from radon exposure, while smokers displayed an increased tendency toward higher ELCR. Additionally, males demonstrated a greater risk compared to females. The cumulative probability distribution showed that a significant proportion of individuals had a relatively low risk of cancer (ELCR ≃ 0.001) from radon exposure. The interquartile range (IQR: 0.0005–0.0015) suggests that most individuals experienced a relatively low cancer risk from radon exposure. This study provides crucial information for developing targeted public health strategies to mitigate the risks of radionuclide exposure in Gonabad City, ultimately improving the well-being of its residents.