Patients’ exposure to electromagnetic fields and radon in radon spas

摘要

Background: Many patients of physiotherapeutic facilities using therapeutic radon are also referred to other treatments involvingthe use of electromagnetic field (EMF). However, in the light of the theory of EMF influence on free radicals, it is still anopen question whether, application of EMF shortly after the radon treatment may alter the biological effects of radon or EMF.The aim of the study was to determine how large is the group of patients exposed to radon and EMF in Poland, and how highis the exposure of these patients to analyzed factors. The results of the study are to be used in the future assessment of thecombined effects of radon and EMF in radon spas. Material and Methods: Based on the statistical data and interviews heldin the major Polish radon spas, the analysis of treatment structure was performed and exposure to radon and EMF was assessedby measuring radon concentrations and characteristic values of exposure to EMF. Results: More than 8000 peopleper year are subjected to combined exposure to radon and EMF. Significant differences were found between measured radonconcentrations (they ranged from approximately 61 kBq/m3 for inhalations with inhaler to only 290 Bq/m3 for graduationtowers, p = 0.049) and EMF intensities corresponded to those observed in hazardous and dangerous zones for occupationalexposure. Conclusions: The results of the study showed significant differences between radon concentrations during variousradon treatments. There is a need to develop clear and universal procedures for the application of radon or radon combinedwith EMF in radon spas. The effects of patients’ exposure to radon, especially combined with EMF need to be further studied.Med Pr 2014;65(5):645–649