On the natural radioactivity of waters in Hungary

Radon is a radioactive noble gas, a member of the 238U decay series. Soil contains a certain amount of radon, which can dissolve into the ground-water after diffusion through the pores of the soil. As a result of this process, in most of the underground waters different radon levels can be observed. Radon and radium concentrations were measured in waters of different origin and in well waters of Matraderecske village, where strong radon flux from the ground was observed. The radon concentration measured in the water of the Rudas-spa was between 100 and 350 Bq/l, and some county wells show similar high values. In the case of human water consumption from these sources dose contribution of natural radioactivity should be taken into account to avoid unacceptable health risk to the public. Parallel to the water radioactivity measurements, radon in the air of dwellings, located close to the wells was measured. It was also found, that temporary values of radioactivity are probably influenced by several meteorological factors. (author). 19 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs