The concentration of radioisotopes (radon-222 and radium-226) in blood samples of cigarette, vape, and hookah smokers and non-smokers, and the associated alpha dose from their progeny

In recent years, the use of cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs has increased significantly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Smoking introduces natural radionuclides such as radon, radium, and polonium into the body, thereby elevating cancer risk. This study, conducted in the Ranya district of Iraqi Kurdistan, aimed to determine the concentrations of radon, radium, and polonium in the blood samples of male cigarette, vape, and hookah smokers, as well as non-smokers, across various age groups. A total of 140 male volunteers were selected and categorized into four subgroups for comparative analysis. Alpha particles emitted by radon gas in the blood samples were measured using solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The results showed that the mean concentrations of radon (in Bq m−3) in the blood samples of cigarette, vape, hookah smokers, and non-smokers were 190 ± 54, 247 ± 86, 304 ± 123, and 31 ± 9, respectively. Among all groups, hookah smokers exhibited the highest average radon concentration. A statistically significant variation in radon concentration was also observed across different age groups (P-value < 0.001). Despite these differences, the average radon concentrations in the smoker groups exceeded the internationally recommended safety limits set by the WHO, EPA, and ICRP, which are 100, 148, and 200 Bq m−3, respectively.