A microscale Monte Carlo analysis on skin dosimetry and DNA damage induced by radon-rich water exposure
Autor(in); Institution
Taheri, A.; Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, MALAYSIA
Khandaker, M.U.; Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, MALAYSIA; Faculty of Graduate Studies, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, BANGLADESH; Department of Physics, College of Science, Korea University, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Rabus, Hans; 8, Medizinphysik und metrologische Informationstechnik, PTB-Berlin
Moradi, F.; Radiation Dosimetry Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia Cyberjaya, MALAYSIA
Bradley, D.A.; Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies Group, CCDCU, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, MALAYSIA; School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Rashid, H.A. Abdul; Radiation Dosimetry Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, Cyberjaya, MALAYSIA; Faculty of Engineering Technology, University College TATI (UC TATI), Kemaman Terengganu, MALAYSIA
Quelle/Jahr
Radiation Physics and Chemistry: 236
(2025), 1
- 8
Radon (²²²Rn) significantly contributes to natural background radiation and poses well-documented health risks when inhaled or ingested. However, the effects of radon exposure on the skin, particularly through direct contact with radon-rich spring waters during activities such as bathing or spa treatments, have not been thoroughly investigated. This study investigates the dosimetric and radiobiological impacts of radon exposure on skin using Monte Carlo simulations with TOPAS and its TOPAS-nBio extension. We modeled two radon distributions: a Volume source in direct contact with the skin and a Permeated source penetrating 20 microns into the skin. Absorbed doses and direct DNA damage were evaluated in two reference cells: one on the skin surface (Cellsurf) and another at a depth of 70 microns (Cell70), following International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) guidelines for skin dosimetry.
The results reveal that skin surface cells receive doses 2 - 3 orders of magnitude higher than deeper reference cells across both radon distributions, with significantly more severe DNA damage, including higher yields of double-strand breaks (DSBs) and complex DSBs. Notably, alpha particle penetration extends up to 80 microns in the Permeated source scenario, potentially impacting deeper skin layers beyond the epidermis. The SSB/DSB ratio - a key indicator of damage severity - is markedly lower in surface cells, indicating a greater biological risk at the skin surface compared to deeper layers. These findings highlight the predominant impact of radon-rich water on superficial skin layers, which may have therapeutic potential for treating conditions such as fungal infections, while raising concerns about cumulative DNA damage in regions with thinner epidermal layers or during prolonged exposure. Our study highlights the need for a balanced approach in evaluating both the therapeutic benefits and health risks of radon exposure, particularly in high-radon environments. Future research should incorporate skin heterogeneities and indirect DNA damage mechanisms, such as reactive oxygen species generation, to further refine risk assessments and explore therapeutic applications.
Themenbereich der Metrologie
Metrologie in der Medizin
Zitierung
Taheri, A., Khandaker, M., Rabus, H., Moradi, F., Bradley, D., & Rashid, H. A. (2025). A microscale Monte Carlo analysis on skin dosimetry and DNA damage induced by radon-rich water exposure. Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 236, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.112978
