Radiation Pollution and Public Health Impacts in Mailuu-Suu, Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This study investigates the critical issue of radiation contamination in Mailuu-Suu, Kyrgyzstan, a legacy of extensive uranium mining and milling operations during the Soviet era. The research centers on the environmental behavior and health impacts of radon-222 and associated radionuclides emanating from uranium mill tailings. A comprehensive year-long indoor radon monitoring program (July 2001–July 2002) revealed radon concentrations that substantially exceeded the national Radiation Safety Standards (RSS-96), posing serious health risks to local populations. Approximately 1.9 million cubic meters of uranium mill tailings, distributed across multiple unsecured waste dumps, were assessed for their radiological burden. While precise activity levels remain undocumented, it is estimated that these tailings represent tens of thousands of tonnes of radioactive material. Based on typical uranium ore residue densities and grades, this volume could contain over 3–5 million tonnes of material, with estimated activities ranging from 10¹³ to 10¹⁵ becquerels, depending on radionuclide composition. Epidemiological data indicate elevated rates of cancer, respiratory illnesses, and congenital anomalies, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The findings highlight an urgent need for targeted environmental remediation, continuous radiological surveillance, and public health strategies to mitigate long-term risks and enhance ecological and human safety in the region.