Radiological assessment of indoor radon concentrations and gamma dose rates in secondary school buildings in Kuwait

Abstract

The suitability and satisfaction of the use of construction materials for the school buildings in Kuwait regarding the radiological safety was considered. Short-term measurements, of 2 days, were carried out using an active radon monitor that is also equipped with a Geiger-Muller dosimeter to allow simultaneous measurements for both radon concentrations and gamma dose rates, in each location under investigation. Therefore, measurements were carried out in 46 secondary schools in Kuwait, which represents about 30% of the total number of secondary schools in the country. The results show that the indoor radon concentrations varied from 6.04 to 77.9 Bq m−3 with a mean of 24.9 Bq m−3, and the gamma dose rate values in the range of 65.8–126.5 nSv h−1 with a mean of 100.5 nSv h−1. These radon levels in the schools of Kuwait were similar to the worldwide indoor radon concentration values and well below the indoor action level of radon (200–300 Bq m−3) prescribed by many European countries. Similarly, the gamma dose observed in the schools was within the worldwide indoor average value of 14–140 nSv h−1 (from terrestrial sources) for normal background areas.The results strongly indicate that the construction materials used in the school buildings in Kuwait are within the acceptable levels of radionuclide contents.