Health Risk Assessment of Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported Cosmetics by Using Nuclear Track Detector (CR-39)

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ISSN:xxxx-xxxx SFMRL, an open access journal
Volume 2 · Issue 2 · 1000001
SF J Material Res Let
Research Article Open Access
SciFed Materials Research Letters
Mohamed Saad Seoud, SF J Material Res Let, 2018, 2:2
Health Risk Assessment of Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported
Cosmetics by Using Nuclear Track Detector (CR-39)
Keywords
Health Hazards; Radon-222 Concentration; CR-
39; Nuclear Track Detector; Alpha Particles; Imported
Cosmetics
Introduction
Radon gas is one of the elements of the periodic
table and is a noble gas and the radioactive atomic gas and a
radioactive atomic number is (86) boiling point (-61.8Cº),
freezing point (-71.0Cº) and density (9.73 Kg.m-3
), and it is
produced by the decay of the natural radioactive uranium
series, which starts with uranium U238 [1]. It is found as
gas in nature. It is one of the heaviest gases in the nature.
It is colorless, odorless and spreads from the soil into the
atmosphere by the spread of the molecular, it consists of
three isotopes. Radon (Rn-222) which belongs to the series
of (U-238) and this isotope of the longest- lived isotope of
radon its half-life is (3.825) day and this age gives it the
ability to spread in the air, it is also emitter to alpha particle
with the energy of (5-4) Mev [2, 3]. The Un (UNSCEAR,
1983) report about the sources radiation confirmed that
radon represents 50 % of the total materials of human
dose of radiation resulting from natural radiation of radon.
Radon portability to move through air from one place to
another without any obstruction. The risk of radon gas is
that it can spread to large areas in addition to turning into
polonium which is an alpha- particle emitter for (3.825)
day period. Then the radon gas precipitates on plants in
houses a matter that great danger to the population cause of
nature in these areas. Where are exposed all living things
to a certain amount of natural radiation in the form of
radiation particles in addition to the sun. All living beings
suffer from coming from space cosmic rays and also suffer
from background radiation natural, especially natural
uranium, which contain isotopes of uranium-238 (99.29%)
and uranium-235 (0.71%) turns these elements through a
series of decay which emits Alpha particles, Beta particles
and Gamma rays to reach the lead element of a stable [4].
*
Dr.Mohamed Saad Seoud
Calibration and Radiation Dosimetry Division, Radiation Protection Department, Ministry of Health, Kuwait
Abstract
The health hazards of the radioactive gas radon on general public are well known. In this paper, I studied
the concentration of radon gas in some imported cosmetics samples in order to understand the level and distribution
of 222
Rn concentrations in imported cosmetics samples from different origins (original & non-original famous brands)
from local beauty centers in Kuwait by using alpha-emitters registrations that emitted from radon gas in CR-39 nuclear
track detector. The obtained results have shown that the highest value of radon gas concentration in imported cosmetics
samples which recorded (17.83 Bq.m-3
) for FLORMAR - (Loose Powder) sample, while the lowest value of radon gas
concentration in imported cosmetics samples was (3.66 Bq.m-3
) for MAX FACTOR X - (Translucent Loose Face Powder)
sample. The present results show that the radon gas concentration in all imported cosmetics samples is below the allowed
limit from International Commission of Radiation Protection (ICRP) agency.
*Corresponding author: Mohamed Saad Seoud, Calibration and Radiation
Dosimetry Division, Radiation Protection Department, Ministry of Health,
Kuwait. E-mail: prof.mohamedsaad@gmail.com
Received January 31, 2018; Accepted February 06, 2018; Published
February 20, 2018
Citation: Mohamed Saad Seoud (2018) Health Risk Assessment of
Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported Cosmetics by Using Nuclear
Track Detector (CR-39). SF J Material Res Let 1:1.
Copyright: © 2018 Mohamed Saad Seoud. This is an open-access article
distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Volume 2 · Issue 2 · 1000001
Citation: Citation: Mohamed Saad Seoud (2018) Health Risk Assessment of Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported Cosmetics by Using Nuclear
The research aims to measure the concentration of
radon-222 in imported cosmetics samples from different
origins (original & non-original famous brands) in Kuwait
by using alpha-emitters registrations that emitted from
radongasinCR-39nucleartrackdetector,andthetechnique
which used in this study based on the registration of alpha
tracks from R-222on alpha sensitive track detector that was
emitted for uranium or radon exploration. The detector is
exposed to the gas for a specific period of time. The alpha
tracks are registered on the detector and the tracks density
gives a measure of Rn-222 concentration in the soil. As it
is a very simple technique it can be implemented easily for
field studies, since they do not require electronic system
[5].
Materials and Methods
A total of 10 different (original & non-original
famous widely traded brands) of imported cosmetics
samples were collected from the local beauty centers
in the State of Kuwait. After the collection process, a
constant weight of all samples (1.5 g) was taken from each
sample, and a sensitive balance was used to calculate the
weight of the samples. The samples were then placed in
plastic cylindrical irradiation chambers, which are 20 cm
cylindrical test tubes with a diameter of 2.5 cm and length
of air in the plastic cylinder 13 cm as shown in Figure 1.
The cylindrical tubing was sealed tightly and a
layer of silicone was put around the cover of the cylindrical
tube to prevent leakage and to ensure that the models
were not contaminated from external sources, taking into
account that the distance between the sample surface and
the surface of the inner cover fitted with the CR-39 was
fixed by 13 cm. The samples and the nuclear reagents
were then left exposed for 30 days to reach the ideal state
of balance between radium and its daughters from radon
isotopes. The nuclear track detector was used in thickness
(1000 μm) and with an approximate area (1 × 1 cm2
).
After the end of the period of radiation balance and
exposure, the seals and reagents of the sample containers
are removed. To begin the stage of showing the Nuclear
Tracks using the chemical etching technique, a sensitive
balance is used with the accuracy of 0.01g to calculate the
weight of the sodium hydroxide used in the preparation
of the skimming solution. Nucleic reagents for chemical
scavenging using NaOH and BN (7N). In order to perform
the chemical scaling process; the straw solution container
is placed in a water bath for heating at 60 °C. To heat the
skimmer solution, a German-type of water bath is used.
Its temperature ranges from 0-100°C, at a precision
of 1°C, a CR-39 detector is attached to be placed inside the
etching solution as in Figure2. For 7 hours, the chemical
etching solution attacks the affected area of the detector
and dissolves, leaving the soluble material in the container
containing the straw solution. After that, the track detector
was washed with distilled water and dries.
At this stage, the tracks are detected by using a
microscope with a precision camera and by selecting the
appropriate magnification of (×400) and then counting the
Tracks of the area unit using a special lens divided into
several boxes according to the average number of Tracks.
Example 20 fields for each nuclear track detector.Aspecial
gradient is placed on a glass slide in front of the objective
Figure 1: A Schematic Diagram of the Sealed-Cup Technique in
Imported Cosmetics Sample with Nuclear Track Detector (CR-39)
Figure 2: A Schematic Diagram of the Chemical Etching Technique for
the Nuclear Detector (CR – 39).

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Volume 2 · Issue 2 · 1000001
lens of the microscope. A microscope from Olympus-
Bausch Lomb-Japanese made, was used. It is equipped
with optical lenses of different magnification power (×10,
×20, ×40, ×100) and two eyesight with a magnification of
(×10) Intensity of effects.
The Concentration of Radon-222 measured by
using the following equations:
Diffusion constant (k) which varies from system to
another according to the geometry dimensions for sealed-
cup technique from this relation [6]:
Where:
r: The radius of the irradiation tube equal to 1.25
cm
Rα
: Extent of alpha particles in the air
θ: The critical angle of the detector
The density of the tracks (ρ) of the samples was obtained
according to the following relation [7]:
The Radon concentrations (Cair
) in the air include
the sealed-cup determined by the equation [8]:
Where:
t = exposure time (days) of distributed detectors
So, the radon gas concentration in the cosmetics samples
were obtained by equation [9]:
Where:
Cair
: The radon concentration in air (Bq.m-3
)
Cx
: Radon concentration in the sample (Bq.m-3
)
λ: Dissociation constant of radon equal to 0.1814 d-1
h: Height the air tube
t: Irradiation time
L: Sample thickness
Results and Discussion
In the present study, radon concentrations were
determined in ten imported cosmetics samples from
different origins (original & non-original famous brands)
(Samples Code: CS#) collected from local beauty centers
in Kuwait by using CR-39 nuclear track detector.
As shown in the recorded values of radon
concentration (Bq/m3
) for imported cosmetics samples
in Table 1 below, the results of this study indicate that
there is a variation between the minimum and maximum
concentrations of radon gas in each sample. This is
due to the difference in the values of the foundation
in the manufacture of all the cosmetics that affect the
radon concentration. It found that the value of 222
Rn
concentrations in the air was (0.1927 Bq.m-3
) and the
value of 222
Rn concentrations in the sample (12.66 Bq.m-
3). Where the highest value for radon concentration in air
(0.275 Bq.m-3
) that correspond to the highest value for the
radon concentration in the FLORMAR - (Loose Powder),
which equal (17.83 Bq.m-3
). While the lowest value of
radon concentration in air was (0.05 Bq.m-3
) and which
corresponds to the lowest value for radon concentration
in MAX FACTOR X - (Translucent Loose Face Powder)
sample is (3.66 Bq.m-3
) as shown in Figures 3& 4.
( )
( )
Average number of total pits track
Area of field view
ρ =
Tracks density
Figure 3: The concentration of 222
Rn in air for cosmetics samples.
Figure 4: The concentration of 222
Rn for cosmetics samples.

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Volume 2 · Issue 2 · 1000001
Summary
1. The Concentration of Radon (222
Rn) in some
imported cosmetics samples from different origins
(original & non-original famous brands) collected from
local beauty centers in Kuwait has been measured by using
CR-39 nuclear track detector.
2. Concentration of (222
Rn) in imported cosmetics
samples varies from 3.66 Bq/m3
to 17.83 Bq/m3
with the
average value of 12.661 Bq/m3
.
3. From these results it can be concluded that the
majority of imported cosmetics samples from different
origins (original & non-original famous brands) from local
beauty centers in Kuwait is valid for the use of completely
safe from the stand point of radon concentration in them
without posing significant radiological threat to women in
general and to Arab women in particular.
4. It found that the radon levels in cosmetics
sample are within the internationally acceptable values
and there are no health risks. The average of readings was
lower than the permissible limits recommended by ICRP
and EPA [1, 10].
Acknowledgement
I would like to thank all the agents and beauty
centers who supported this work for confirmation of the
quality of their products, and gave me the samples of their
products to test them, and to ensure the health of women
and maintain their skin and to renew their confidence in
the quality of our products.
References
1. ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection)
(1993) Protection Against radon-222 at home and at work.
Pergamon Press, Oxford (ICRP Publication 65).
2. Ali abd AL-Fahd, Rmazi Mohammed Shehab, Abdu Hussein
O, et al. (2002) The study of the Movement and the Movement
of depleted Uranium in soils southern Regions of Iraq. Decision
Scientific Conference on the impact of the Use of Depleted
Uranium Weapons in humans and the environ ment in Iraq 8.
3. Warren CE (1971) Biology and Water Pollution Control. WB.
Sandres Company, London 434.
Table1: Shows Measured Concentrations of Radon in Imported Cosmetics Samples from Different Origins (Original
& Non-Original Famous Brands) from Local Beauty Centers in Kuwait
No. Sample Name Made From Sample Code
Radon-222
Concentration
Cair
(Bq.m-3
)
Radon-222
Concentration
Cx
(Bq.m-3
)
1
MAX FACTOR X
(Translucent Loose Face Powder)
USA CS1 0.05 3.66
2
LAURA MERCIER
(Translucent Loose Setting Powder)
France CS2 0.134 8.87
3
RIMMEL LONDON
(Translucent Loose Setting Powder)
Britain CS3 0.136 8.89
4
ISADORA
(Loose Powder)
Germany CS4 0.176 11.51
5
KARIN HERZOG
(Egyptian Earth Face Powder)
Switzerland CS5 0.18 12.03
6
WASHAMI
(Chiffon Silky Powder)
China CS6 0.2 13.08
7
SEPHORA
(Loose Finishing Powder)
France CS7 0.24 15.69
8
EVER BILENA
(Compact Powder)
Iran CS8 0.264 17.26
9
GOLDEN SBOUHH
(Natural Rose Powder)
Lebanon CS9 0.272 17.79
10
FLORMAR
(Loose Powder)
Turkey CS10 0.275 17.83
Average 0.1927 12.661

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Volume 2 · Issue 2 · 1000001
4.Spurn,TurekK(2004)Track-etcheddetectorsforthedosimetry
of the radiation of cosmic origin. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 109:
375-381.
5. Baixeras C, Erlandsson B, Font LI, et al. (2001) Radon
emanation from soil samples Radiat. Measur 34: 441-443.
6. Dawser Hussain GH, Basim Khalaf R, Zainab Hazim A
(2013) Measurement Radon Concentration in Imported and
Local Wood Using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors. JBS 10.
7.Amalds O, Custball NH, Nielsen GA(1989) Cs137 in Montarq
Soils. H Phys 57: 955-958.
8. Nada F Tawfiq, Hussein M Nasir, Rafaat Khalid (2012)
Determination of Radon Concentrations in ALNAJAF
Governorate by Using Nuclear Track Detector CR-39. J Scie of
Al-Nahrain Univer15: 83-87.
9. Ali AAl-Hamidawi, Hussein M Nasir, Asia H Al Mashhadani,
et al. (2013) Measurement of radon concentrations for some
houses in Al-Najaf city /Iraq. Iraqi J Phys 11: 51-55.
10. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) (1987) Radon
Reference Manual. Office of Radiation Programs Washington
DC 20460, EPA 520/1-87-20.
Citation: Mohamed Saad Seoud (2018) Health Risk Assessment of
Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported Cosmetics by Using Nuclear

Health Risk Assessment of Radon-222 Concentration in Some Imported Cosmetics by Using Nuclear Track Detector (CR-39)

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