Investigating Indoor Radon Concentration Using CR-39 Detector; a Case Study of Gachin Dwellings in Hormozgan

Abstract

Introduction: Radon is a colorless inert gas which decay products are the main component of natural radioactive elements that are naturally produced in under layers of earth crust by decay of radium and uranium. It enters through buildings via gaps and cracks. Radon gas decay products like alpha particle can increase the incidence of lung cancer in human. Since every person spends a great part of his life in closed environments including house, office, factory, and etc. elevated amount of radon gas could influence human heath negatively. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the concertation of radon gas is in different buildings with different materials. In this line, the study aims to measure the concentration of radon gas in the dwellings of Gachin village. Materials and Methods: In this regard, solid-state nuclear track detectors (CR-39) was used in 69 homes of Gachin village. Each CR-39 detectors were mounted 50-90 cm from the bottom bedroom and living rooms, away from doors and windows. After about three months of exposure, the detectors were collected and transported to the laboratory to be analyzed. Results: The result showed that there is significant difference between the concentrations of radon gas in houses with different materials. Houses constructed with concrete had the lowest concentration of radon gas while houses constructed with clay bricks had the highest concentration of it. Conclusion: The result of this study could be used in mapping of national radon level. Moreover, It provides important information for policy makers and planners to design programs for alleviating current concentration of radon gas in Gachin dwellings which would lead to lower lung cancer risk.