Indoor Radon Measurement in Dwellings of Khorramabad City, Iran

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

2 Center for Air Pollution Research(CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research(IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 3. Nutrition Health Research Center, Department of public Health, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

4 Nutrition Health Research Center, Department of Environment Health, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 July 2017
  • Revise Date: 29 October 2017
  • Accept Date: 29 October 2017

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