Abstract
Background: Two isotopes, 222 Rn and 220 Rn of the natural radioactive gas radon are generally of radiological importance. About half of the total radiation effective dose to the general public is due to the irradiation of the lungs by alpha particles following the inhalation of radon decay products. In view of this, 222 Rn and 220 Rn measurements were carried out for a period of 1 year in about 50 dwellings belonging to different residential areas of Bangalore city. The results obtained were systematically analysed and discussed. Materials and Methods: 222 Rn and 220 Rn measurements were carried using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors. The gamma exposure rate measurements were also carried out in all the dwellings using a G M tube based Environmental Radiation Dosimeter. Results: The concentration of 222 Rn and 220 Rn was found to be highest in the dwellings having mud flooring (Bare) and lowest in the dwellings having mosaic flooring. The geometric mean values of the concentrations of 222 Rn and 220 Rn were found to be 24.1 ± 8.3 and 24.5 ± 10.8 Bq m -3 respectively. The annual mean value of the gamma absorbed dose rate is found to be 175.8 nGy y -1 . Conclusion: The mean value of radon concentration is well within the indian average (42 Bq m -3 ) and world average (40 Bq m -3 ) values. The mean effective dose was found to be 1.19 mSv y -1 and is well within the action level as prescribed by ICRP-65.
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