The Influence of Internal Wall and Floor Covering Materials and Ventilation Type on Indoor Radon and Thoron Levels in Hospitals of Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract

BackgroundBuilding materials and the ventilation rate of a building are two main factors influencing indoor radon and thoron levels (two radioactive gases which have the most important role in human natural radiation exposure within dwellings).ObjectivesThis analytical descriptive study was intended to determine the relationship between indoor radon and thoron concentrations and the building materials used in interior surfaces, as well as between those concentrations and the type of ventilation system (natural or artificial).Materials and Methods102 measurements of radon and thoron levels were taken from different parts of three hospital buildings in the city of Kermanshah in the west of Iran, using an RTM-1688-2 radon meter. Information on the type of building material and ventilation system in the measurement location was collected and then analyzed using Stata 8 software and multivariate linear regression.ResultsIn terms of radon and thoron emissions, travertine and plaster were found to be the most appropriate and inappropriate covering for walls, respectively. Furthermore, granite and travertine were discovered to be inappropriate materials for flooring, while plastic floor covering was found suitable. Natural ventilation performed better for radon, while artificial ventilation worked better for thoron.ConclusionsInternal building materials and ventilation type affect indoor radon and thoron concentrations. Therefore, the use of proper materials and adequate ventilation can reduce the potential human exposure to radon and thoron. This is of utmost importance, particularly in buildings with a high density of residents, including hospitals.

Indoor exposure levels of radon in dwellings, schools, and offices in China from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review

“…Decoration and building materials are one of the indoor sources of radon, 31,43,44 especially granite for decoration and building materials with mineral matter and industrial waste. 45,46 The radium in these materials is one of the main sources of indoor radon.…”

First indoor radon mapping and assessment excess lifetime cancer risk in Iran

“…Subsequently, in different provinces and cities of Iran, the program has been implemented sporadically and the results of these monitoring are published in the form of scientific papers. For example, the most recent researches carried out in Northern Iran [4], Central Iran [5], Tehran [6], Tabriz [7], Isfahan [8], Shiraz [9], Mashhad [10], Hamedan [11], Ramsar [12], Yazd [13], Qom [14], Kermanshah [15], Khoram Abad [16], and Minab [17] can be mentioned. Despite some scattered regional indoor radon surveys in Iran, radon mapping has not been carried out yet to increase awareness of the hazards of exposure to radon and to target future radon surveys.…”

Data on the effect of geological and meteorological parameters on indoor radon and thoron level- case study: Kermanshah, Iran

“…The geological formation of the area mainly consists of radiolarites type sedimentary rows. It has upper Triassic to Cretaceous rocks including sediments from deep areas that among them sedimentary rows of radiolarites and carbonates along with ophiolite rocks were in the highest level [11] . Kermanshah sited in the high Zagros area which is surrounded by faults from north to south ( Fig.…”

“…Meanwhile, the radon meter (RTM-1688-2) is equipped with humidity, pressure and temperature sensors and in each measurement, these parameters were measured and reported by the device. All sampling and measuring of radon and thoron were performed according to the standard method [9] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] .…”