Study of Brittany drinking water radioactivity and evaluation perspective of a possible radon-related public health risk

Radon is a naturally occurring gas, considered as the foremost natural radiological exposure agent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has, since 1987, identified the exposure to radon by inhalation as one of the causes of lung cancer. In water, radon concentrations of 1000 Bq/l have been measured, which can lead to doses varying from 0,2 to 1,8 msv/year. An exposure via water is difficult to determine because the exposure by ingestion is tightly linked to the exposure by inhalation. Brittany, being one of the regions the most concerned by the exposure of radon, drew up actions in the Regional Health and Environment plan as one of five steps. In order to determine the health risks of radon in water, radon measures should be carried out in water. (author)