US EPA

1436078 

Journal Article 

Relationship between Radon Concentration and Male Infertility: Case Study in Iraqi Kurdistan 

Ismail, AH; Jaafar, MS 

2010 

14-22 

WOS:000284085300003 

In this study the radon concentration (CRn), potential
alpha energy concentration (WL), and annual effective dose (mSv.y-1) for different locations that
have different ratios of male infertility in the Iraqi Kurdistan region were studied by using
CR-39 nuclear track detectors. The results show an exponential relation between the annual
effective dose and the ratio of male infertility. Radon concentrations are increased in most
locations that have a high ratio of male infertility, especially with defects in sperm activity.
Radon concentration was also variable for different locations having different ratios of defects
(sperm concentration and shape), which is due to the ventilation rate, type of work of the
subjects, the structure of the homes, variation of geological formation, and variations in grades
of uranium at different locations. Finally, we concluded that there is an indication relationship
between annual effective dose and sperm activity in some locations in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.
This is considered a risk of radon concentration on male infertility. 

CR-39 NTDs; Radon concentration; effective dose; men infertility