Health Status and Physical Condition of Community Living in Takandeang Village, an Area With High Natural Radiation in Mamuju

Mamuju in West Sulawesi was well known has a highest level of natural radiation due to radon exposure
compared to other areas in Indonesia. Therefore it is interested to study on the negative impact that may found in the local community members mainly to their health and physical conditions that may lead to cancer induction. Aim of the study is to assess the impact of natural radiation to the health condition (eye, skin, ENT (ear-nose-throat) andteeth) of community members in Takandeang Village, Mamuju. Sixty male and female respondences in Takandeang and 30 respondences in Keang Village as control were participated in this research with the range of age of 16 and 75 years old by filling out informed consent. The examination was also done through anamneses i.e. interviewing the health history covering daily life style and consumption as well as cigarette. Cataract examination was done by anamneses and shadow test. Results of study showed that there is no health impact was found in general, including cancer incidence caused by radiation among community members who were participated in the study and there is no correlation with their age. Incidence of cataract as a marker of high radiation exposure was found in very low cases. It noted that in general the blood pressure in control group was higher than that in study group that need further assessment. Based on palpation on the neck area, there is no enlargement of thyroid glands and neck lymph nodes among residents and control group.It can be concluded that there is no impact of natural radiation to the health and physical conditions of residents living in Takandeang Village.