Risk Assessment Between Tritium and Radioactive Exposure Factor: Health Impact Assessment Survey in the Vicinity of Nuclear Power Plant in Wolsong

초록

Background Concerns about long-term low-dose radiation exposure from living in the vicinity of the Wolsong nuclear power plant (NPP) have persisted for decades. Tritium, a mildly radioactive isotope of hydrogen released from NPPs, can contribute to internal radiation exposure through ingestion or inhalation. This study assessed internal tritium exposure and associated behavioral and environmental factors among residents living near the Wolsong NPP in Republic of Korea. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to July 2022 among 1,421 residents within a 5-km radius of the Wolsong NPP. Tritium was measured in 960 participants, and biological samples and detailed questionnaires were collected to assess tritium exposure and associated factors. Results A geometric mean for 960 residents was 4.32 Bq/L (arithmetic mean: 10.16 Bq/L), with a detection rate of 77%. The detected group showed higher proportions of NPP entry (10.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.004) and underground water use for cooking (14.5% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.01), with marginal significance for local seafood consumption ( p = 0.06). Also, entering the NPP (odds ratio = 3.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.50–6.31) and using purified tap water for cooking (odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence interval = 1.34–3.40) were significantly associated with tritium detection. Additionally, in a three-group sensitivity analysis, only entering the NPP had significant results. A spatial gradient was also observed, with higher concentrations near the NPP and lower concentrations farther away (Region A to H: 6.31–2.72 Bq/L). Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of continued biomonitoring and evidence-based public health management to better understand internal tritium exposure among populations residing near facilities. © 2026 Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute.

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