Soil and water supply are the two major source of radon
entering into home. Among which soil is the main source of
health problems caused due to radon gas. The health hazards
fromradon in drinking water causes lung cancer,from inhaling
radon discharged from water used in the homes, and stomach
cancer, from ingesting radon in drinking water (USEPA, 1991).
In our recent work, the activity concentration of natural
radionuclides found in the soil samples of Jodhpur and Nagaur
districts of Rajasthan was higher than the permissible limit
(Rani, Mittal, Mehra, & Ramola, 2015). Geographically Jhunjhunu
and Bikaner are adjoining districts to the reported areas.
Radon originates from the decay of natural uranium and is a
progeny of radium that is present in soil and water. The radon
concentration in soil and ground water is proportional to
radium concentration at a particular place. Hence the measurement
of radon concentration in water and soil of Jhunjhunu
and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan assumes significance.
Such a study will be helpful in determination whether the
soil and water of these districts can be used for construction
and drinking purpose without posing any health hazard to the
inhabitants. However literature survey shows that no attempt
has been made towards the measurement of radon concentration
in water and soil in Jhunjhunu and Bikaner districts of
Rajasthan. In the present study the radon concentration in
water and soil from Jhunjhunu and Bikaner districts of
Rajasthan, India has been investigated systematically.