Evaluation of Radon Pollution in Underground Parking Lots by Discomfort Index

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

Department of Chemistry, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait

Abstract

Introduction
Recent studies of public underground parking lots showed the influence of radon concentration and the probable discomfort caused by parking cars.
Materials and Methods
Radon concentration was measured in semi-closed public parking lots in the six governorates of Kuwait, using Durridge RAD7radon detector (USA).
Results
The peak radon concentration in the parking lots of Kuwait governorates was relatively higher during winter (63.15Bq/m3) compared to summer (41.73 Bq/m3). Radon in the evaluated parking lots revealed a mean annual absorbed dose (DRn: 0.02mSv/y) and annual effective dose (HE: 0.06mSv/y). 
Conclusion
This study validated the influence of relative humidity and temperature as the major components of discomfort index (DI). The mean annual absorbed and effective dose  of radon in the evaluated parking lots were found below the permissible limits. However, high radon DRn and HE were reported when the assessment included the parking lots, the surrounding residential apartments, and office premises. Furthermore, the time-series analysis indicated significant variations of the seasonal and site-wise distribution of radon concentrations in the indoor evaluated parking lots of the six Kuwait governorates

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 13, Issue 2
May and June 2016
Pages 65-76

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 August 2015
  • Revise Date: 30 August 2016
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2016

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