It is well known that exposure to a high concentration of
radon-222 causes severe health effects, including
cancer. The present article includes a survey on
radon-222 in the water bodies of the city Durgapur [non-geothermal area] and nearby Bakreswar hot spring [geothermal province], India. The possible sources of
radon from natural
radionuclides and industries have been discussed in the article. Durgapur is a densely populated [~ 3680 persons/km2] industrial city with a population of 0.57 million. On the other hand, many tourists and pilgrims usually visit Bakreswar throughout the year. Age-dependent potential health risk assessments of the dwellers at Durgapur and Bakreswar due to
radon exposure were performed for the first time. The present work is the first attempt to estimate the mean ingestion /and inhalation dose per annum, total effective dose [TED] per annum and the health risk assessment for
cancer in adults, children and infants due to
radon exposure at Durgapur and Bakreswar. In some cases, the values of TED exceed the permissible limit of 100 micro Sievert per year [µSv/y] as recommended by EUC and WHO. The radiation profile maps relating to
radon concentration and associated contour maps of health risk factors [HRF] for the adults, children and infants were also prepared for the first time. Some areas were identified as high-risk zones, and the dwellers are prone to a high risk of
cancer. The article also proposed several techniques to reduce
radon in water and buildings. The authors also recommended banning some water sources to protect people from
radon risk. This study will help scientists, policymakers, industrialists, farmers, government agencies and public health departments.