Abstract

In this paper we present the results of a survey of indoor radon concentration levels in Mexico. In order to investigate whether differences in climate translate into significant differences in indoor radon concentrations, the country was divided into three climate regions: the northern semi-desert region, the central semitropical region and the southern tropical region. The survey was carried out using nuclear track methodology. The dosimeters employed for the survey were based on the passive closed-end cup device, developed at the Physics Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and used PADC as detector material. A well-established protocol for chemically etching and reading the detectors was followed. Average annual temperatures differ between regions (from 15℃ to 28℃) but vary relatively little within each region. Atmospheric temperature is one of the most important factors which need to be considered when carrying out a survey of indoor radon concentrations because temperature largely determines building ventilation habits, and ventilation habits are known to have significant effects on indoor radon concentrations. Other factors, including building construction materials, architectural styles, geological and hydrological characteristics, and seismicity, vary from region to region and within each region. In each of the three regions low levels of indoor radon (from 37 to 179 Bq·m-3) were found.

Highlights

  • The radioactive gas radon is a decay product of naturally occurring uranium

  • The measurement of indoor radon concentration levels forms a mandatory part of radiation safety procedures in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Nordic countries and, in general, countries which experience cold climates for a significant part of year

  • It can be seen that most states have mean indoor radon concentrations of between 60 and 100 Bq·m–3

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Summary

Introduction

The radioactive gas radon is a decay product of naturally occurring uranium. Radon builds up in confined areas, and accounts for approximately 50% of the effective dose to which the general public is exposed [1]. Determining indoor radon concentrations in dwellings and workplaces is an important public health problem. The measurement of indoor radon concentration levels forms a mandatory part of radiation safety procedures in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Nordic countries and, in general, countries which experience cold climates for a significant part of year. Indoor radon concentration measurements are important from the public health point of view in countries with more benign climates. In these countries, the ventilation habits of the inhabitants, themselves largely determined by climate, are more important than other. Factors in determining the differences in the indoor radon levels over large spatial scales

Regulations and Action Levels in Selected
Number and Location of Dwellings and Detectors
Indoor Radon Survey Strategy
Method
Detect to Protect
Dose Calculation Method
Results
Dose Calculation Results
Conclusions
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