Radon Monitoring by Alpha Track Detection Using Cn–85 Plastic Track

Abstract

Radon sources can be found in external and internal radiation. Lead pencil (LP) is often used for drawing, sketching, etc. regardless of age nowadays. Paracetamol (PC) is commonly used around the world especially to treat fever, headache, menstrual pain, and common pain. Hence, the aim is to study the procedures for determining the radon gas comes out from different types of lead pencil and paracetamol. Eight and five samples were collected from different companies of lead pencil and paracetamol, respectively. The samples were measured using the sealed technique in cylindrical plastic containers with CN–85 detectors. After irradiation, the detectors were chemically etched using 2 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at a temperature of 70 ºC for 62 min. The alpha track density on the surface of detectors was measured using an optical microscope at a magnification of 100×. Tracks on detectors were counted using Image software. Radon concentration values including all samples in this study are within the limits of international which is 1000 Bq/m3. The concentration of radium in LP and PC samples are lower than those reported in previous study. The result of the uranium concentration of both samples is quite low compared with the allowed limit which is 11.7 ppm. Annual effective dose levels are all below the dose limit which is 10 mSv/y. Lastly, there was a linear relationship between radium activity and radon exhalation rate. Therefore, using LP and eating PC cause no danger to humans. All results showed in this study are within internationally permissible limits, and therefore not a threat to human health.