Abstract
Radon and its related parameters were measured using passive (CR-39) and active (Alpha-Guard analyzer) techniques inside seven ancient Egyptian tombs of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. The measurements were performed throughout the winter and summer seasons. The average radon concentration inside the tombs ranges from 96.9 ± 10.8 to 415 ± 43 Bq m - 3 in winter and from 86.4 ± 13.8 to 6102.8 ± 573.6 in summer. Because of the variations of tombs dimensions and their ventilation systems, the equilibrium factor between radon and its progeny ranges from 0.228 ± 0.02 to 0.95 ± 0.05 . The effective doses for the tomb workers, the tour guide and visitors were calculated. Active measurements show that radon exhalation rates range from 0.68 ± 0.30 to 1.47 ± 0.27 Bq m - 2 h - 1 and from 0.60 ± 0.03 to 1.42 ± 0.05 Bq m - 2 h - 1 for passive measurements. The real radium content was determined for all examined tombs by HPGe detector, while the effective radium content was obtained by Alpha-Guard and sealed cup techniques. Radon exhalation rates were correlated with the real radium content. A good correlation was found between active and passive measurements of radon exhalation rate.
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