Higher levels of radon affect womens fertility in Iraqi Kurdistan

The effect of indoor radon on the fertility of women was studied for the first time in Kurdistan. The Lowest radon was 99.94 Bq·m-3, 94.883 Bq·m-3 and highest radon concentrations were 360.112 Bq·m-3 and 357.832 Bq·m-3 in kitchens and living rooms in Sulaymania. Lowest radon was 97.886 Bq·m-3 and 95.113 Bq·m-3, and the highest concentrations were 360.112 Bq·m-3 and 357.832 Bq·m-3 in kitchens and living rooms in Erbil, respectively, which were significant (p<0.001). This result is above the normal limits and the action level provided by the international environmental organizations of 148 Bq·m-3. The indoor radon concentration in Iraqi Kurdistan was high in many houses, which affects women’s fertility.