Abstract

TOMAS ZERQUERA, Juan et al. Radiological impact assessment on patients and workers at Elguea spa. Nucleus [online]. 2011, n.49, pp. 9-14. ISSN 0864-084X.

ABSTRACT The use of hot spring waters from deep geologic layers in spas has been identified as typical scenarios of exposure to natural radiation. These scenarios can affect the patients under treatment, as well as the workers of these facilities. Therefore, characterization studies are being undertaken in these spas in order to evaluate the radiological impact they produce on these categories of population. The Elguea Spa, located on the northern coast of Villa Clara, Cuba, is equipped to provide services by using hot spring waters and mud existing in the zone of the spa. Its waters contain significant levels of radon. Present paper shows the dose estimates made from the radiological characterization of the spa and its surroundings, both for workers and the patients receiving treatment. The dose values are in the range of 1,01 to 180 μSv/year for workers, the most irradiated group, and these results suggest that there is no need for special protection measures or regulations.

Keywords : balneology; geothermal fluids; natural radioactivity; radon; Cuba; dose equivalents; dose rates; environmental materials; experimental data.

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