Investigation of radon concentrations and effective radium content in soils and dwellings of Wolaita Sodo Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: People in the world have always been exposed continuously to natural radionuclides originated from the Earth's crust. Radionuclide of terrestrial origin like radon is the most abundant in the environment and the second leading cancer risk next to cigarette. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radon concentration and effective radium content in soil samples and dwellings of Wolaita Sodo town, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 soil samples and 24 records in dwellings were collected. The radon concentrations and effective radium content in soil samples and dwellings were estimated using LR-115 plastic track detector and alpha spectroscopy, respectively. Results: The result shows the concentrations of radon gas and effective radium content in soil samples ranges from 74.74 to 436.97 Bq/m3 with an average value of 221.4 Bq/m3 and 89.30–522.07 Bq/kg with an average value of 264.54 Bq/kg respectively. While radon in dwellings ranges from 30.78 to 708.12 Bq/m3 with an average value of 236.72 Bq/m3. Conclusion: Generally, the average radon concentration both in soil samples and dwellings of the area was higher than the recommended level by the International Commission on Radiation Protection.