https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-01690-0
Regular Article
Impacts of chronic low-dose ionizing radiation on human lifespan in Talysh, Azerbaijan
1
Geology and Geophysics Institute, Ministry of Science and Education, H. Javid Ave., 119, AZ1143, Baku, Azerbaijan
2
Azerbaijan Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mardanov, Gardashlar Str. 100, AZ1078, Baku, Azerbaijan
Received:
29
June
2024
Accepted:
12
May
2025
Published online:
23
May
2025
Radiation hormesis is the hypothesis that low doses of ionizing radiation (comparable or above natural background levels) are beneficial. It suggests these doses stimulate the activation of the repair mechanisms that protect against disease, mechanisms which are not activated in the absence of ionizing radiation. The article discusses the results of research conducted in the Talysh region of Azerbaijan supporting hormesis through exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation from residential radon. Radiometric studies covered five districts of the Talysh region: Masalli, Lenkoran, Astara, Yardimli, and Lerik. Based on the results obtained, maps showing the distribution of radon volume activity were constructed for each district separately. According to these maps, the Lerik district, known for its long-lived inhabitants, is characterized by a relatively high level of radon. The reported research found that in villages where centenarians live, the level of indoor radon is at the upper limit of what current regulations consider safe. Moreover, we report positive correlation between the indoor radon levels and life expectancy.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
