Indoor Radon Gas Concentration Research Articles

Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in Latvian Households

Exposure to radon gas in households presents serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of lung cancer. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the change in individual habits has led to more time spent in indoor environments with remote activities; thus, the need to raise the awareness of air quality in dwellings and to mitigate the exposure of inhabitants to radon has emerged. This study investigated radon gas concentrations in the air of Latvian dwellings. RadTrack2 passive detectors were deployed in a representative sample of households across 106 municipalities of Latvia (98% of the territory), yielding data from 487 households (973 detectors). The data revealed a median radon concentration of 52 Bq/m3 (Q1 and Q3 were 29 and 93 Bq/m3), with the majority of samples (95.6%) falling below the national reference limit of 200 Bq/m3. The building type and presence of a cellar significantly impacted radon levels, with structures lacking cellars and older buildings exhibiting higher concentrations. Mechanical ventilation proved to be more effective in reducing radon levels, compared to natural ventilation. These findings emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate indoor radon exposure and to ensure the well-being of occupants. Additionally, the dissemination of research data on radon exposure through open-access scientific publications is vital for raising awareness and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Assessment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in National Open University of Nigeria: A Case Study of Calabar Study Centre

The current work deals with indoor radon (222Rn) concentrations measurements in the Calabar Study Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria using a Corentium Arthings digital radon detector meter for seven days representing a short–term average measurement of indoor radon gas concentration level. The geographical coordinates were recorded using a hand-held geographical positioning system for the sample point. Measurement were taken for seven days and the following data where obtained 83±2.19 Bq/m3,80±3.69 Bq/m3,86±5.57 Bq/m3,84±1.59 Bq/m3,82±3.59 Bq/m3,81±4.89 Bq/m3 and 85 ±5.59 Bq/m3.The average radon(222Rn) concentration level was found to be 83 ± 3.87 Bq/m3 with a geometric mean of 82 ± 3.54 Bq/m3. It was observed that the radon concentration was below the reference level of 100 Bq/m3 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the current exposure of members of the public to natural radiation is not critical, the situation could change abruptly when other activities commenced. The excess life time cancer risk calculated for 70 years, 60 years, 50 years, 40 years and 30 years were 1.72 × 10−3,1.65× 10−3,1.39× 10−3,1.44× 10−3 and 0.69× 10−3 respectively. The calculated values of the excess life time cancer risk are all higher than the set limit of 0.029 × 10−3 by International Commission on Radiological Protection. However, there are no observed cases of lung cancer epidemic in this Centre. Therefore, it is advised to use fans and effective ventilation techniques to reduce radon levels. Identifying the regions of the country where people are most at risk from radon exposure should be the main goal of any national radon policy.

RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY IN A URANIUM DEPOSIT AREA: KÖPRÜBAŞI, TÜRKIYE.

In this study, the results of environmental radioactivity studies conducted in Köprübaşı, Manisa district, where Türkiye's uranium mineral exploration and processing studies were carried out, are shared. Because this is a populated area, there is a need for radio ecological dosimetry assessment to investigate the possible risk to the population. The region where radiological monitoring is carried out is discussed in two parts as the areas where uranium mineral exploration is performed and the settlements close to these areas. It was observed that 714-4714 nGy/h values were obtained in the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air measurements taken in the areas where mineral exploration was performed and this value reached up to 22857 nGy/h in open field mining areas. In the residential areas, it was recorded that the outdoor absorbed dose rate in air values ranged between 142 and 242 nGy/h and the indoor values ranged between 171 and 400 nGy/h. The world absorbed dose rate in air average values is 57 nGy/h (outdoor) and 75 nGy/h (indoor). The high 226Ra values in the radioactivity analyses of the soil samples draw attention. The mean values of the activity concentrations of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples are 3169, 55 and 802Bq/kg and the world averages of these values are 35, 30 and 400Bq/kg, respectively. It was determined that high 226Ra value in the soil in the areas close to the open field uranium mining area was passed on to the agricultural products. Radioactivity measurement results of drinking water samples did not exceed World Health Organization guidelines. According to the radon gas measurement results of 44 houses in Köprübaşı villages, the average radon concentrations in winter, spring, summer and autumn seasons were 72, 61, 50 and 55Bq/m3, and the annual average value was 60Bq/m3, respectively. Although these values are greater than the world average of 46Bq/m3, they are below the recommended limit value (100Bq/m3). By evaluating the data obtained, the total annual effective equivalent dose values (originating from outdoor-indoor absorbed dose in air, drinking water and indoor radon gas concentration) to which the people in the region are exposed were calculated as a 3.12mSv.

Change of indoor radon gas concentration according to floor height Kahramanmaraş Province in Turkey

Change of indoor radon gas concentration according to floor height Kahramanmaraş Province in Turkey

Radon Risk Reduction in Public Buildings with Regular Occupancy: A Case Study in Minho Region, Portugal

Radon gas is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the most relevant indoor pollutants with proven relationship with higher lung cancer risk. Hence, indoor radon exposure in badly ventilated and extensively occupied rooms increases drastically the risk of health problems. Due to the geological nature of local soil, the Northwest region of Portugal is critical concerning indoor radon exposure. The new legislation is already in force to combat the problem by adopting a remediation strategy in order to reduce the occupants’ risk in local buildings. However, a remediation strategy involves not only manual or automatic mitigation actions to reduce indoor radon concentration, but also awareness-raising campaigns developed amongst buildings occupants and local community making part of an action plan to deal with the problem. In this paper we present a new case study of 15 public buildings assessed in 2018 through short-term measurements to characterize indoor radon gas concentration, in an inner city in the Northwest region of Portugal. Radon risk was assessed to evaluate occupants’ risk exposure and to define an Action Plan concerning radon gas remediation.

The relationship of indoor radon gas concentration with multiple sclerosis: a case-control study.

This case-control study aimed to investigate the relationship of indoor radon gas concentration and residential building characteristics with mental health with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Yazd City, Iran. The participants included 45 patients with MS and 100 healthy individuals. The participants' socio-economic status and residential building characteristics were investigated using a questionnaire. The radon gas concentration was also measured by CR-39 detectors over a 6-month period. Furthermore, the participants' mental health data were collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The mean concentrations of radon gas were 66.77 and 65.33Bq/m3 in the homes of patients with MS and healthy individuals, respectively, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.882). However, the radon gas concentration had a significant relationship with the building's age (p = 0.038), ventilation (p = 0.053), and cooling system (p = 0.021). A significant difference was observed between the two study groups in terms of the mental health (p = 0.018), depression (p = 0.037), somatic symptoms (p ≤ 0.001), and physical activity (p = 0.030). Since the indoor radon gas concentration did not have any significant relationship with MS prevalence, more studies are required in this regard, especially in long-term exposure.

Indoor radon measurement in residential/commercial buildings in Isfahan city

Introduction: People are constantly exposed to radiation from natural and artificial sources of radiation. Radon is one of the natural radiation sources that its concentration in very high in some part of the world. The presence of radon gas in the air can increase the risk of lung cancer. In this study, the level of indoor radon in dwellings of Isfahan city was surveyed. It should be mentioned that an active alpha GUARD instrument was used to measure radon concentration. All of the measurments took place during the winter and spring of 2018. Materials and methods: In the present survey, 51 residential/commercial buildings were considered to radon gas monitoring based on the population distribution on 15 urban areas and the population of each area and technical possibilities. In each residential/commercial buildings, sampling was carried out at different floors of the building. A professional radon monitoring device (Alpha GUARD PQ2000 PRO) was used to measure indoor radon gas con-centration. Results: The Results of measuring were shown that the radon concentration in the residential/commercial buildings varied from 3 to 251 Bq / m3, with a mean value of 28.57 ± 39.38 Bq / m3. The average annual effective dose re-ceived by the residents of the studied area was estimated to be 0.49 mSv. The results showed a significant difference between the average radon concentra-tion in different floors and the different ventilation of the building, higher values in the lower floors and weaker ventilation. Conclusion: Indoor radon concentration in 4 % of the building was deter-mined to be higher than the limit (100 Bq / m3) recommended by the World Health Organization.

A pilot study of radon levels in certified passive house buildings

The international Passive House Standard delivers high thermal comfort based on the principles of excellent building fabric and balanced mechanical heat recovery ventilation. Considering that the typical person in industrial countries (such as the UK) spends ∼90% of their time indoors, there are surprisingly few academic studies on air quality in the home. Indoor air quality and the prevalence of overheating are attracting an increasing amount of research attention across Europe, but post occupancy monitoring of indoor radon concentrations is severely underrepresented, especially in Ireland and the UK. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas and known carcinogen that presents a potential risk to occupier health. This pilot study investigates measured radon levels in certified Passive House buildings in Northern Ireland and presents an overview of technical radon prevention design options for new builds and mitigation measures for existing buildings. Initial findings indicate that buildings built to the Passive House Standard correspond with reduced indoor radon gas concentrations. Practical application: This Technical Note addresses an issue pertinent to the industry at this time. The growth of energy-efficient standards (such as Passive House) and common principles (such as increased airtightness levels and mechanical ventilation systems) has accelerated the need for research data on indoor radon concentrations. This research bridges the knowledge gap between the fields of indoor air quality (specifically radon), health, sustainability and the built environment.

A Cost-Effective IoT System for Monitoring Indoor Radon Gas Concentration.

Radon is a noble gas originating from the radioactive decay chain of uranium or thorium. Most radon emanates naturally from the soil and from some building materials, so it can be found in many places around the world, in particular in regions with soils containing granite or slate. It is almost impossible for a person to detect radon gas without proper tools, since it is invisible, odorless, tasteless and colorless. The problem is that a correlation has been established between the presence of high radon gas concentrations and the incidence of lung cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the exposure to radon is the second most common cause of lung cancer after smoking, and it is the primary cause of lung cancer among people who have never smoked. Although there are commercial radon detectors, most of them are either expensive or provide very limited monitoring capabilities. To tackle such an issue, this article presents a cost-effective IoT radon gas remote monitoring system able to obtain accurate concentration measurements. It can also trigger events to prevent dangerous situations and to warn users about them. Moreover, the proposed solution can activate mitigation devices (e.g., forced ventilation) to decrease radon gas concentration. In order to show its performance, the system was evaluated in three different scenarios corresponding to representative buildings in Galicia (Spain), a region where high radon gas concentrations are common due to the composition of the soil. In addition, the influence of using external hardware (i.e., WiFi transceivers and an embedded System-on-Chip (SoC)) next to the radon gas sensor is studied, concluding that, in the tested scenarios, they do not interfere with the measurements.

Measurement of indoor radon gas concentration and assessment of health risk in Tehran, Iran

In recent years, technology development and using various tools have led to produce environmental contaminations. Radon (Rn-222), a natural radioactive gas, is one of the dangerous and fatal indoor air pollutants. Since radon is a major cause of lung cancer after smoking, in the present research, radon measurements have been done in 30 dwellings of Tehran using penetrative chambers. These measurements were done by passive method in a 3-month period. According to research achievements, the average radon concentration in Tehran is measured 104 Bq/m3. Maximum and minimum concentrations are 460.2 (Shahid Baqeri in west) and 31 Bq/m3 (Shahid Araqi in north), respectively. Risk assessment was done using Environmental Protection Agency method. Results showed that independent of age, the lung cancer death rates were about 14 and 12 times greater for ever smokers than never smokers among males and females, respectively. Moreover, it was concluded that females are more at risk than males. Generally, people who were older than 70 and also ever smokers are more at risk and must be followed up.

Indoor Radon Measurement in Dwellings of Khorramabad City, Iran

Introduction: Exposure to indoor radon increases the risk of lung cancer. This study examined the level of indoor radon in dwellings of Khorramabad city, by using passive alpha-track detector (CR-39) during winter of 2016. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we detected the concentration of indoor radon in 56 dwellings. A passive sampling instrument (alpha-track detector with CR-39 polycarbonate films) was utilized to measure indoor radon gas concentration. The distribution map of indoor radon concentration was prepared using Arc GIS software.  Results: Radon concentration in the dwellings varied from 1.08 to 196.78 Bq/m3, with a mean value of 43.43±40.37 Bq/m3. The average annual effective dose received by the residents of the studied area was estimated to be 1.09 mSv. Our results showed a significant difference between the average radon concentrations in houses and apartments, with a higher level in houses. Conclusion: Indoor radon concentration in 10.1 of the dwellings was determined to be higher than the limit (100 Bq/m3) recommended by the World Health Organization.

Measurement of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in same Region of Baghdad Governorate Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector

In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitters track registration (CR-39) track detector were measured. This measurement was done for selected areas from Baghdad Governorate, The results obtained shows that the highest average concentrations for Rn-222 is (179.077 Bq/m^3) which was recorded within Al-Shaaib city and less average concentrations was (15.79 Bq/m^3) in the nearby residential area of Baghdad International Airport and the overall average concentrations is (86.508 Bq/m^3) for these regions. Then the radon concentration was measured annual effective dose calculated from radon concentration and found in range from 0.4031 mSv/y to 4.5179 mSv /y with an average value of 2.1824 mSv/y. The annual effective dose of radon was within the allowed international limits.

Assesment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration Change of College

Assesment of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration Change of College

Variation of ambient gamma dose rate and indoor radon/thoron concentration in different villages of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir State, India

The exposure of natural background radiation imparts a major contribution to inhalation doses received by the public, and its amount depends on the lithology, altitude, and building construction materials. The preliminary results of indoor and outdoor gamma-ray dose rate of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, India are presented. Indoor radon and thoron gas concentration have also been measured by using the LR-115 based pin-hole detectors in the same villages and the estimated concentrations are within the recommended level of the International Commission of Radiological Protection. For the outdoor environment, the minimum and maximum gamma dose rate were 0.06 and 0.4 μSvh−1, whereas for indoor environment, the minimum and maximum gamma dose rates were 0.09 and 0.21 μSvh−1, respectively. Effects of lithology on indoor radon/thoron concentration and also on gamma dose rates have also been investigated. The average values of annual effective dose from background gamma radiations were well within the safe limit and does not cause health hazard to the inhabitants.

Measurement of Indoor Radon Gas Concentration in same Region of Baghdad Governorate Using CR-39 Nuclear Track Detector

In this research the activity of radon gas in air in Baghad governorate,Iraq, using “alpha-emitters track registration (CR-39) track detector were measured. This measurement was done for selected areas from Baghdad Governorate, The results obtained shows that the highest average concentrations for Rn-222 is (179.077 Bq/m^3) which was recorded within Al-Shaaib city and less average concentrations was (15.79 Bq/m^3) in the nearby residential area of Baghdad International Airport and the overall average concentrations is (86.508 Bq/m^3) for these regions. Then the radon concentration was measured annual effective dose calculated from radon concentration and found in range from 0.4031 mSv/y to 4.5179 mSv /y with an average value of 2.1824 mSv/y. The annual effective dose of radon was within the allowed international limits.

Assessment of Indoor Radon Concentrations in Dwellings for Baghdad Governorate by Using RAD-7 Detector

In the present work, radon gas concentrations in different dwellings in Baghdad governorate are measured by using RAD-7 detector. The results have shown that, the radon gas concentrations ranged between (40.67 ± 3.1 Bq/m3) to (190.00 ± 2.7 Bq/m3) with an average value (113.66 ± 30.2 Bq/m3); in the first one we draw the map radiations for indoor radon gas concentrations in Baghdad governorate. We would like to mention that the present study is considered to be very important and vital because it is concerned with people health and safety in the first place.

ASSESSMENT OF INDOOR RADIATION DOSE RECEIVED BY THE RESIDENTS OF NATURAL HIGH BACKGROUND RADIATION AREAS OF COASTAL VILLAGES OF KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Radiation exposure and effective dose received through two routes of exposure, viz. external and internal, via inhalation, by residents of coastal villages belonging to Natural High Background Radiation Areas (NHBRA) of Kanyakumari District and Tamil Nadu inIndiawere studied. While the indoor gamma radiation levels were monitored using Thermo Luminescent Dosimeters (TLDs), the indoor radon and thoron gas concentrations were measured using twin chamber dosimeters employing Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs, LR-115-II). The average total annual effective dose was estimated and found to be varied from 2.37 to8.64 mSv.

Measurements of Radon Concentrations and Dose Assessments in Physics Department-Science College-Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

Measurements of radon gas concentrations with their progeny and the annual effective dose indoor the building of Al-Mustansiriyah University College of Science-Physics Department have been carried out by using time-integrated passive radon dosimeters solid state nuclear track detector CR-39 technique. The detectors with 1cm x1cm have been distributed over 70 places and suspended for sitting (1m) and standing (1.75m) positions in each location under study. The dosimetric measurements are made over a period of 90 days from 30 January 2014 to 30 April 2014. The calibration process has been done using radium-226 source with known activity radiation. It has found that the indoor radon gas concentrations varing from 37.488±6.123Bg/m3 to 58.670±7.660Bg/m3 with an average value 51.398±7.156Bg/m3 at 1m , and varing from 35.964±5.997Bg/m3 to 56.994±7.549Bg/m3 with an average value 47.057±6.847Bg/m3 at 1.75m which are within the worldwide limits 148Bg/m3 (EPA, 2003) and 200-300Bg/m3 (ICRP, 2009). The annual effective dose of the inhalation exposure to radon gas has been estimated and this vary from 0.394mSv/y to 0.617mSv/y with an average value 0.540mSv/y at 1m, and varing from 0.378mSv/y to 0.599mSv/y with an average value 0.495mSv/y at 1.75m which are within the worldwide permissible limist 3-10mSv/y (ICRP, 1993). The potential alpha energy concentration found to vary from 4.053mWL to 6.343mWL with an average value 5.557mWL at 1m and vary from 3.888mWL to 6.162mWL with an average value 5.087mWL at 1.75m which are less than the recommended value 53.33mWL (UNSCEAR, 1993). The lung cancer cases per million person per year vary from 7.093 to 11.101 per million person per year with an average value 9.725 per million person per year at 1m and vary from 6.805 to 10.784 per million person per year with an average value 8.904 per million person per year which are less than the recommended range 170-230 per million person per year (ICRP, 1993). The number of decays per-minute using swabs measurements technique have been used for selected units within two swabs from building materials walls for each unite, with area of 100cm2 using Ludlum 3030, the average of three swabs measurements have been calculated. Hence, the effectiveness of emitted alpha particles from the walls has been calculated to be varied from 0.00000 to 0.02222Bq/cm2 with an average value 0.01169Bq/cm2 at 1m and 0.01015Bq/cm2 at 1.75m respectevily which are within the permissible limit 0.04Bq/cm2 (Danial, 2010).

Measurements of Radon Concentrations and Dose Assessments in Physics Department-Science College-Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

Measurements of radon gas concentrations with their progeny and the annual effective dose indoor the building of Al-Mustansiriyah University College of Science-Physics Department have been carried out by using time-integrated passive radon dosimeters solid state nuclear track detector CR-39 technique. The detectors with 1cm x1cm have been distributed over 70 places and suspended for sitting (1m) and standing (1.75m) positions in each location under study. The dosimetric measurements are made over a period of 90 days from 30 January 2014 to 30 April 2014. The calibration process has been done using radium-226 source with known activity radiation. It has found that the indoor radon gas concentrations varing from 37.488±6.123Bg/m3 to 58.670±7.660Bg/m3 with an average value 51.398±7.156Bg/m3 at 1m , and varing from 35.964±5.997Bg/m3 to 56.994±7.549Bg/m3 with an average value 47.057±6.847Bg/m3 at 1.75m which are within the worldwide limits 148Bg/m3 (EPA, 2003) and 200-300Bg/m3 (ICRP, 2009). The annual effective dose of the inhalation exposure to radon gas has been estimated and this vary from 0.394mSv/y to 0.617mSv/y with an average value 0.540mSv/y at 1m, and varing from 0.378mSv/y to 0.599mSv/y with an average value 0.495mSv/y at 1.75m which are within the worldwide permissible limist 3-10mSv/y (ICRP, 1993). The potential alpha energy concentration found to vary from 4.053mWL to 6.343mWL with an average value 5.557mWL at 1m and vary from 3.888mWL to 6.162mWL with an average value 5.087mWL at 1.75m which are less than the recommended value 53.33mWL (UNSCEAR, 1993). The lung cancer cases per million person per year vary from 7.093 to 11.101 per million person per year with an average value 9.725 per million person per year at 1m and vary from 6.805 to 10.784 per million person per year with an average value 8.904 per million person per year which are less than the recommended range 170-230 per million person per year (ICRP, 1993). The number of decays per-minute using swabs measurements technique have been used for selected units within two swabs from building materials walls for each unite, with area of 100cm2 using Ludlum 3030, the average of three swabs measurements have been calculated. Hence, the effectiveness of emitted alpha particles from the walls has been calculated to be varied from 0.00000 to 0.02222Bq/cm2 with an average value 0.01169Bq/cm2 at 1m and 0.01015Bq/cm2 at 1.75m respectevily which are within the permissible limit 0.04Bq/cm2 (Danial, 2010).

Measurements of Radon Concentrations and Dose Assessments in Chemistry Department-Science College- Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

Measurements of radon gas concentrations with their progeny and the annual effective dose indoor the building of Al-Mustansiriyah University College of Science-Physics Department have been carried out by using time-integrated passive radon dosimeters solid state nuclear track detector CR-39 technique. The detectors with 1cm x1cm have been distributed over 70 places and suspended for sitting (1m) and standing (1.75m) positions in each location under study. The dosimetric measurements are made over a period of 90 days from 30 January 2014 to 30 April 2014. The calibration process has been done using radium-226 source with known activity radiation. It has found that the indoor radon gas concentrations varing from 37.488±6.123Bg/m 3 to 58.670±7.660Bg/m 3 with an average value 51.398±7.156Bg/m 3 at 1m, and varing from 35.964±5.997Bg/m 3 to 56.994±7.549Bg/m 3 with an average value 47.057±6.847Bg/m 3 at 1.75m which are within the worldwide limits 148Bg/m 3 (EPA, 2003) and 200-300Bg/m 3 (ICRP, 2009). The annual effective dose of the inhalation exposure to radon gas has been estimated and this vary from 0.394mSv/y to 0.617mSv/y with an average value 0.540mSv/y at 1m, and varing from 0.378mSv/y to 0.599mSv/y with an average value 0.495mSv/y at 1.75m which are within the worldwide permissible limist 3-10mSv/y (ICRP, 1993). The potential alpha energy concentration found to vary from 4.053mWL to 6.343mWL with an average value 5.557mWL at 1m and vary from 3.888mWL to 6.162mWL with an average value 5.087mWL at 1.75m which are less than the recommended value 53.33mWL (UNSCEAR, 1993). The lung cancer cases per million person per year vary from 7.093 to 11.101 per million person per year with an average value 9.725 per million person per year at 1m and vary from 6.805 to 10.784 per million person per year with an average value 8.904 per million person per year which are less than the recommended range 170-230 per million person per year (ICRP, 1993). The number of decays per-minute using swabs measurements technique have been used for selected units within two swabs from building materials walls for each unite, with area of 100cm 2 using Ludlum 3030, the average of three swabs measurements have been calculated. Hence, the effectiveness of emitted alpha particles from the walls has been calculated to be varied from 0.00000 to 0.02222Bq/cm 2 with an average value 0.01169Bq/cm 2 at 1m and 0.01015Bq/cm 2 at 1.75m respectevily which are within the permissible limit 0.04Bq/cm 2 (Danial, 2010).