Radon measurements in water for human use in the Sessa Aurunca, Cellole‐Caserta district: a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background. 222Radon and fluorine in ground water can be dangerous for human health.
Radon is carcinogen of class one, excess of fluorine cause alterations in the process of bone
calcification and calcium metabolism. Levels of radon and fluorine in the water should be monitored.
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of radon and fluorine in the
waters sources of the Communes of Sessa Aurunca and Cellole (Caserta).
Methods: A cross‐sectional study in a sample of wells in Caserta area was conducted. Data about
depth, nature of aquifer, centration of fluorine and radon were collected through sampling and
measurement with Alpha guard. Descriptive, univariate analysis using Mann‐Whitney test for nonnormal
distributions were applied. The correlation between depth of well and concentration of radon
and fluorine was conducted with Pearson correlation.
Results: The sites submitted to analysis were 21 wells. Concentration of radon had a mean of 86.7 Bq/l
and standard deviation 92.3; fluorine had a mean 1.4 mg/l, standard deviation 0.6. The univariate
analysis showed a significant difference between vulcanite and sand clays rocks in radon
concentration (p=0.08). The correlation analysis showed non significant association between
concentration of radon, fluorine and depth of well, respectively (r=0.27; P=0.23) and (r=0.21; P=0.35).
Conclusions: The study showed a close relationship between radon and lithological characteristics,
and no correlation with depth of wells. It suggests to actively monitor radon concentration both
water for human consumption and living environment of the territory.