A new article was published by colleagues in WP3 (Dosimetry) of RadoNorm in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity titled “Parameter uncertainty analysis of the committed equivalent dose coefficients from inhalation of radon progeny in underground uranium mines”. This study examined the uncertainties in the committed equivalent lung dose coefficient resulting from the inhalation of radon progeny in underground uranium mining environments. The results revealed that underground miners operating under dry drilling and poor ventilation face significantly higher radiation doses than miners operating under wet drilling with good ventilation. The results of the uncertainty analysis using Monte Carlo simulation showed the greatest uncertainty in the alveolar-interstitial region, though bronchial secretory cells received the highest dose among the lung’s target regions. Sensitivity analysis revealed that tidal volume has the greatest influence on the calculated lung dose. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved ventilation, stricter air quality standards, and better protective equipment to mitigate health risks associated with radon progeny exposure in underground mining environments.

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