Contribution of Radon to Overall Exposure to Radiation in a Ten-Storey Block Building

Abstract

Radon is an inert radioactive gas released into the atmosphere from certain minerals and man-made products in which it is produced. It can accumulate in confined spaces. Radon emanation into a building can come from: the underlying soil, the building materials, tap water and natural gas. The principal isotope, 222Rn, decays to products which if inhaled can result in exposure of the respiratory tract to alpha radiation. The decay products, radon daughters, are significant because of their potential to cause health effects. In this study we present measurements of radon concentration, and the internal and external gamma dose to which the inhabitants of a housing block with ten floors are exposed. Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (CR-39) were used for the determination of radon concentration in the air. LiF (TLD-100) dosimeters were used for measuring the external gamma dose. Of the total equivalent dose to which people are exposed, it appears that from inside the building makes the greatest contribution.

Indoor Radon Concentrations in Ankara Dwellings

“…However, in most countries there is considerable uncertainty about the average dose to the members of the public from radon and radon decay products in indoor air. In previous studies [2][3][4][5] it has been shown that indoor radon concentrations are higher during wintertime than the summer. It has also been found that the levels of radon indoors are associated with factors such as cracks on the walls, the building materials used for floor and walls and the type of ventilation and heating [5,6].…”

Some Aspects of Indoor Air Quality in Romania

“…In Romania, many studies dealing with radioactive pollutants [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] have been conducted. High 222Rn concentrations were detected in some dwell ings in different localities in Romania, such as Felix, Oradea, Bäi(a-Sat and Bäifa-Plai [15], Cluj-Napoca [lb-19] and Herculane Spa [20].…”

“…This exposure is in addition to that indoors which is mainly from inhala tion of 222Rn. Studies in Cluj-Napoca [18,19] have focused on the radioactivity of traditional and new build ing materials currently in use. tion of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and the calculated radium equiv alent (Raeq) found in some of these materials.…”