Abstract
In this work, radon concentrations were measured in dwellings Kufa Technical institute, Iraq between November 2014 to February 2015 using time integrated passive radon dosimeters containing LR-115 Type II plastic track detectors. Also, we calculated the concentration of short-lived radon daughters, potential alpha energy, working level month, the annual effective dose rate, the annual equivalent dose rate and the excess lifetime cancer risk in all dwellings under study. The radon concentration in these dwelling ranges from (15.211 ± 2.745 to 32.445 ± 09.200) Bq/m3 with an average of (21.567 Bq/m3), which within the acceptable radon levels (50-150) Bq/m3 recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The mean the excess lifetime cancer risk were found to be ranges from 35.458 to 75.633 with an average value of 50.297 per 106 persons. These values are within in the safe limits recommended by the international organizations.
Highlights
Radon is a unique natural element being found as a gas, noble, and radioactive in all of its isotopes
The average radon concentration in dwellings was 21.567 Bq/m3, this variation in radon concentration is fundamental related with type of construction and age of the building, the minimum and maximum values for indoor radon concentration were found in sample (T10) and sample (T19) which equal to 15.211 ± 2.745 Bq/m3 and 32.445 ± 09.200 Bq/m3 respectively
The variable from one region to another due to different concentration of uranium in different regions, these results are within the radon levels (50-150) Bq/m3 which are recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) [34]
Summary
Radon is a unique natural element being found as a gas, noble, and radioactive in all of its isotopes. The isotopes are mobile and carry messages over significant distances, within the earth and in the atmosphere, but on the other side of the coin, inhalation can be a problem to one’s health. The fact that radon is noble ensures that it is not immobilized by chemically reacting [1]. The decay of radon begins with uranium-238 and goes through four intermediate states to form radium-226, which has a half-life of 1,600 years. Radon’s half-life, 3.8 days, which provides sufficient time for it diffuse through soil and into homes, where it further disintegrates to produce the more radiologically active radon progeny (“radon daughters”) [2]
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