The Republic of Kazakhstan has a long history of mining activities, viz., gold and uranium. Mining activities represent sources of potential naturally occurring radionuclides contamination of the environment and human health of population. The aim of this study was to investigate the radiation situation of industrially modified environment in Stepnogorsk areas of Kazakhstan to understand the sources of contamination. Quite high values of ambient equivalent dose rates in air ~2.87 μSv h−1 were found in the Aqsu gold-mining site. The radon equivalent equilibrium volume activity (indoor) were in the range of 313–858 Bq m−3 in the study area buildings. The high values of activity concentration of natural radionuclides found in Aqsu soil samples were 226Ra-4060, 232Th-1170 and 40K-4080 Bq kg−1, respectively. However, our comprehensive surveys implied that the increased natural radiation background caused by the radionuclide transport from the tailing area did not have an impact, while evaluation of its potential radiation risks and remediation of the territories of the former gold mining should be needed.

The increase in uranium mining in Kazakhstan has brought with it a number of problems. Reducing the negative impact of radiation-toxic factors on the health of workers and the population in uranium mining regions is one of them. This article presents a pilot population health study in which we developed approaches to support residents living near an operating uranium mining enterprise. The purpose of the current study was to assess the impact of technogenic factors on the health of those living near the Syrdarya uranium ore province. Data collected from 5605 residents from the village of Bidaykol (the main group)—which is located 4 km from the uranium mining enterprise—and the village of Sunakata (the control group), which is located in the Kyzylorda region, were analyzed. A bidirectional cohort study was conducted. The prevalence of acute and chronic diseases among the residents of Bidaykol was 1.3 times higher than that in the control group. The structure of morbidity was dominated by pathologies of the genitourinary system (27%), the circulatory system (14.4%), and the respiratory system (11.9%). Relative risks (RR > 1) were identified for most classes of diseases, the highest being for diseases of the blood (RR = 2.6), skin (RR = 2.3), and genitourinary system (RR = 1.9). In the main group, renal pathologies were the most frequent class in the age group of 30–40 years, occurring mainly in women. In addition, they had a direct dependence on the duration of residence in the territory of the uranium ore province. Further studies into the interaction between the technogenic factors associated with uranium mining enterprises and the development of diseases of the urinary system are needed. This will make it possible to determine ways to prevent these pathologies in the population.

Radon is an inert gas produced by the radioactive decay of uranium-238, commonly found in the environment. Radon and its decay products are the main sources of human exposure to radiation from natural sources. When inhaled, radon’s alpha particles impact lung tissue, potentially causing lung cancer by damaging DNA and altering oxidative processes. This review article addresses the need for a deeper understanding of the genetic and molecular changes associated with radon-induced lung cancer, aiming to clarify key genetic mutations and protein markers linked to carcinogenesis. Particular attention in recent studies has been given to mutations in tumor suppressor genes (RASSF1, TP53), oncogenes (KRAS, EGFR), and changes in the expression levels of protein biomarkers associated with inflammation, stress, and apoptosis. Identifying these markers is critical for developing effective screening methods for radon-induced lung cancer, enabling timely identification of high-risk patients and supporting effective preventive strategies. Summarizing current genetic and protein biomarkers, this review highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to studying radon-induced carcinogenesis. Understanding these molecular mechanisms could ultimately improve early diagnostic methods and enhance therapy for cancers associated with radon exposure.

In the late 1960s, a uranium province was explored in the Shu-Sarysu depression in southern Kazakhstan. These mining operations can lead to potential contamination of the environment and pose health risks to the population. The aim of this study is to carry out environmental monitoring in uranium deposits and assess indoor radon levels in settlements located in the uranium mining area in the southern region of Kazakhstan. Elevated outdoor ambient equivalent dose rates (0.5–1.2 µSv/h) were detected beyond the buffer zone, particularly near a preserved self-flowing well, where the highest activity concentrations of natural radionuclides were recorded (²²⁶Ra—2350 Bq/kg, ²³²Th—270 Bq/kg, ⁴⁰K—860 Bq/kg), exceeding background levels. Indoor ambient equivalent dose rates in the settlements of Taukent, Zhuantobe, Tasty, and Shu ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 μSv/h, while outdoor levels varied from 0.03 to 0.1 μSv/h, remaining within global and regional average values. Radon concentrations were highest in Tasty and Shu but did not exceed the permissible level. However, Shu exhibited the highest radiation exposure dose (>4 mSv/y), approaching the lower range of recommended action levels (3–10 mSv/y). These findings highlight the necessity for continuous monitoring and potential mitigation strategies in areas with naturally elevated radiation levels.

Among the Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan is experiencing significant growth in uranium production and plays a key role in the mining industry. The aim of this study was to assess environmental gamma radiation levels and indoor radon concentrations in the settlements of Aqsu, Saumalkol, and Arykbalyk—situated in regions with a history of uranium mining activities—to evaluate potential radiation exposure risks to the local population. Measurements of ambient gamma radiation dose rates indicated that Saumalkol exhibited the highest variability, with recorded values reaching up to 0.56 ± 0.19 µSv/h, suggesting potential influence from abandoned mining areas. The equivalent equilibrium volume activity of radon revealed severe contamination in Aqsu (mean: 303 ± 57 Bq/m³, max: 4974 Bq/m³) and Saumalkol (mean: 658 ± 114 Bq/m³, max: 2470 Bq/m³). These findings underscore the need for immediate intervention measures such as improved ventilation and radon mitigation strategies to reduce exposure risks and protect residents from radiation-induced health hazards. This study presents a screening method to identify areas with potential radon risks. However, radon dose assessment requires long-term measurements for accurate evaluation of exposure levels and health risks, with extended monitoring needed for comprehensive assessment.