Radon concentrations in hot spring waters in northern Venezuela

Concentrations of 222Rn were determined in selected thermal water samples of the northern region of Venezuela. Concentrations in the range of 1–560 Bq/l were found. Soil radon concentrations and air radon concentrations related to the high values of radon concentration in water were investigated in El Castaño and at a spa in Las Trincheras. An outstandingly high radon efflux was found in Las Trincheras with an average soil radon concentration of 122 kBq/m3, and an air radon concentration of 54 kBq/m3 in inhalation treatment pipes. Dose calculations revealed that regular consumption of the measured water samples presents an extra dose of radiation that may range up to 4 mSv/y.