Concentrations of radon and other alpha emitters in biological samples of smokers and non-smokers

This study was conducted in the Najaf Governorate, Iraq, to analyze biological samples from smokers and non-smokers. Blood serum, urine, hair, and nails as a biological sample at five age groups were chosen to determine alpha emitters (²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁸Po, and ²¹⁴Po) using a CR-39 detector. The results show that the average values of radon concentrations (Bq m⁻³) in blood serum, urine, hair, and nails for smokers were 54 ± 19, 63 ± 20, 33 ± 9, and 40 ± 12 respectively. While, the average values of radon concentrations (Bq m⁻³) in blood serum, urine, hair, and nails for non-smokers were 23 ± 6, 30 ± 6, 18 ± 5, and 20 ± 6 respectively. Age and smoking affect all alpha emitters, according to the study’s conclusions and comparisons. Significantly higher alpha emitters were seen in smokers compared to non-smokers (p < 0.01). Alpha emitter levels were significantly variable among age groups (p < 0.01). In smokers, greater levels were significantly linked to exposure time (p < 0.01). Smokers had greater mean values of ²²²Rn, ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁸Po, and ²¹⁴Po in biological samples than non-smokers. Thus, it may be said that cigarette smoking is used as a biomarker of the presence of alpha emitters.