Geogenic determinants of indoor radon exposure in İzmir (West Türkiye)

Alkan T., Şimşek C., Saç M. M., Uzelli T., Taşkın N.

APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES, vol.229, no.Volume 229, pp.1-9, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 229 Issue: Volume 229
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.112363
  • Journal Name: APPLIED RADIATION AND ISOTOPES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-9
  • Keywords: Indoor radon concentration, Geology, Public health, Tectonically active zones, Izmir
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abstract

Radon, a naturally occurring product of uranium decay, is the second leading cause of lung cancer. İzmir Province in western Türkiye, situated within the Aegean extensional regime, comprises complex fault-bounded basins that favor indoor radon accumulation. This study evaluates the spatial variability and geogenic controls of indoor radon to delineate radon-prone zones with public-health relevance. Indoor radon was measured in 79 dwellings distributed across major lithologies and structural settings; detectors were deployed in basements to capture soil-gas infiltration. Concentrations ranged from 12 to 366.5 Bq/m3 (mean 118 Bq/m3), exceeding the national average of 81 Bq/m3; 32 % of sites surpassed the EPA action level of 148 Bq/m3. Highest values cluster in Bornova, Buca, and Kemalpaşa, coincident with fault-controlled sedimentary basins and permeable units. Spatial mapping highlights the dominant influence of lithology and fault proximity on radon distribution and underscores the limitations of uniform, national-scale mitigation policies. We advocate targeted, geology-aware health policies and urban-planning measures for monitoring and mitigation in geogenically vulnerable districts. These findings contribute to medical geology by providing region-specific evidence of radon risk in one of Türkiye's most seismically active metropolitan areas. These outputs provide decision-ready evidence for monitoring, mitigation, and building-code updates in seismically active metropolitan settings.