Constructing Environmental Radon Gas Detector and Measuring Concentration in Residential Buildings

Abstract

Background: From the health physics perspective, radon gas is one of the most dangerous gases in residential and business environments. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), radon gas is considered the second cause of lung cancer in societies after smoking. Methods: In this study, the environmental radon gas has been measured using a built radon gas detector on a specific preamplifier circuit and then the perceived results were compared with an Alpha-Guard detector. Specific activity and output ratio on radon concentration in air were measured on three different floors of a residential building covered by different materials. Results: The results showed a good correlation between the outputs and data gathered by the Alpha-Guard. In underground covered by plaster and cement, the detector responses showed approximately double amounts in comparison with the ground floor. The different covered places revealed dissimilar responses, so that the screened granite had greater amounts by 347 ± 37 Bq/m3. Besides, the minimum response was revealed on the first floor using Alpha-Guard by 47 ± 6 Bq/m3. Results confirmed that on each floor, which has a good ventilation system, the exposure due to the radon isotopes can be immensely reduced. Conclusions: This system can also be used to measure the radon concentration changes in the environment and groundwater.