Abstract:In order to understand pollution characteristics of source items in a uranium mining area and potential health risks to surrounding residents, water samples from pollution sources were collected, activity concentration and effective dose equivalent of 238U and 226Ra were tested and analyzed. The activity concentration distribution characteristics were analyzed by box line diagram and normal distribution. Radionuclide and water quality pollution status in the study area was evaluated by modified Nemero method, and health risks of radionuclide drinking water in different ages (infants, children and adults) were evaluated. The results show that concentrations of 238U and 226Ra in study area are far higher than the local background value, and activity concentration of 238U is higher than that of 226Ra. Radionuclide content of mine entrance water is higher than that of waste rock and industrial site, and water body in mining area is seriously polluted by radionuclides. Penetrating radiation dose in study area has little impact on surrounding environment, and if sorted by impact size, the order of radionuclide carcinogenic risk is mine entrance > industrial site > waste rock. Sensitivity of radionuclides in different age groups is infants > children > adults. Lifetime cancer risk of children exceeds the maximum acceptable risk value of ICRP (International Commission on Radiation Protection). The exceeding rates of children and adults are 85.7% and 71.4% respectively.