The radon concentration activity in buildings is influenced by various factors, including meteorological elements like temperature, pressure, and precipitation, which are recognized as significant influencers. The fluctuations of indoor radon in premises are related to seasonal change. This study aimed to understand better the effects of environmental parameters on indoor radon concentration levels in the Aksu school. Indoor and outdoor temperature differentials heavily influence diurnal indoor radon patterns. The analysis indicates that the correlation between indoor radon and outdoor temperature, dew point, and air humidity is weak and negligible for atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and precipitation, as determined by the obtained values of R² and the Chaddock scale. The multiple regression model is characterized by the correlation coefficient r_xy = 0.605, which corresponds to a close relationship on the Chaddock scale.

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.

Background/Objectives: Radon is a significant carcinogen, particularly as a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. While its carcinogenic effects are well documented, the relationship between radon exposure and inflammatory reactions remains underexplored. This systematic review investigates inflammatory biomarkers in individuals exposed to chronic radon exposure and conducts a meta-analysis on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using the keywords “radon” AND “inflammation biomarkers” following established guidelines. Studies reporting inflammatory biomarker levels in biological fluids of human participants exposed to residential or occupational radon were included. Statistical analyses, including pooled mean estimates, influence analysis, publication bias, and meta-regression, were performed in RStudio. Results: Ten studies involving 33,099 individuals met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies focused on residential radon exposure, and two examined occupational exposure among uranium miners. Inflammatory biomarkers were analyzed in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and saliva. Among individuals exposed to high residential radon levels, serum CRP and TNF-α were the most frequently assessed biomarkers, with pooled mean levels of 2.11 mg/L (95% CI, 1.32–2.89) and 2.20 pg/mL (95% CI, 0.25–4.64), respectively. Conclusions: Serum CRP and TNF-α levels appear lower in adults with chronic radon exposure, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory effects despite radon’s established carcinogenicity. Future longitudinal studies using standardized methods are crucial to elucidate the long-term health impacts of radon exposure.

This study investigates the genetic landscape and phenotypic spectrum of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in the Kazakhstani pediatric population, focusing on 40 children diagnosed and treated at the “University Medical Center” Corporate Fund from July 2021 to June 2023. Genetic analysis was conducted using whole-genome sequencing for 22 participants at the “National Laboratory Astana” (Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan) and whole-exome sequencing for 18 participants in private laboratories. Clinically significant genetic variants were found in 35 cases (87.5%). Mutations in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes were detected in 24 cases (68.6%), among them 5 variants were described for the first time. Among the rare cases of OI, variants in the IFITM5 (n = 2), SERPINF1 (n = 7), and SERPINH1 (n = 1) genes were identified. At the same time, seven unrelated cases had identical variants in the SERPINF1 gene (c.907C > T, 6 of which in the homozygous and 1 in the compound heterozygous state) and two cases in the IFITM1 gene (c.-14C > T). Novel disease-causing variants were identified in 17% of cases, and a higher proportion of collagen defects were seen. The relatively high proportion of autosomal recessive inherited OI determined in the current study should be investigated at the population level in Kazakhstan and in the countries of Central Asia. Moreover, this study described the genotype–phenotype correlation, which complements and expands the existing knowledge about the OI.

Residential exposure to radon and environmental gamma radiation poses a significant public health concern in uranium-rich regions. The Akmola Region of Kazakhstan, home to one of the world’s largest uranium tailings sites, lacks localized data on seasonal exposure variations and associated health risks. This study assessed indoor radon progeny concentrations and gamma dose rates in 62 dwellings across two settlements—Aqsu and Zavodskoy—in the Akmola Region during autumn 2023 through summer 2024. Using RAMON-02 and Alpharad Plus detectors, seasonal equivalent equilibrium volumetric activity (EEVA) of radon progeny and effective doses were calculated, stratified by presence of a cellar. In Aqsu, ambient dose equivalent rates reached up to 0.55 µSv/h, and winter median EEVA levels exceeded 130 Bq/m³ in some non-cellar homes. Seasonal effective doses peaked in spring (up to 8.82 mSv) in cellar dwellings, with annual doses reaching 23.5 mSv—substantially higher than in Zavodskoy. Although mitigation efforts have reduced exposure in some homes, several cellar dwellings in Aqsu exhibited persistently elevated EEVA, suggesting potential structural vulnerabilities or residual contamination. These findings underscore significant seasonal and structural disparities in radiation exposure and highlight the need for targeted, site-specific interventions to reduce long-term health risks in affected communities.