The Effects of Altitude Levels on <sup>222</sup>Rn Concentration in Academic Building at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Jeli Campus

Abstract

Highly continuous exposure to Radon (222Rn) concentrations can affects human health and cause lung cancer. This study aims to briefly monitor 222Rn concentration at different level altitude and to investigate correlation between their environmental parameters sort of temperature, humidity and pressure in indoor space. Lecture rooms known as BK 4 in the first floor and BK 8 in the third floor at academic building Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli Campus were selected as the study areas. The total of 210 readings indoor 222Rn concentrations data have been collected for the whole study using Radon Sentinel Model 1030. Average 222Rn concentration in BK 4 and BK 8 were found to have range from 0.36 pCi/L to 0.73 pCi/L and 0.40 pCi/L to 0.93 pCi/L, respectively. 222Rn concentration is higher at BK 8 with height 14.4 meter than BK 4 with height 4.8 meter from the ground. Negative correlations were obtained between 222Rn concentrations over pressure, temperature and humidity at BK 4. Meanwhile, 222Rn concentrations over pressure and humidity at BK 8 have shown positive correlation and negative correlation with temperature.