Title: The study of radon levels and absorbed dose in the staff and visitors of Alisadr Cave

Authors: Naghi Jabarivasal, Gavin Gillmore

Addresses: Department of Medical Physics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. ' School of Earth Sciences and Geography, University of Kingston, London, UK

Abstract: CR-39 passive integrating Solid State Nuclear Track etch Detectors (SSNTDs) were used to measure atmospheric radon concentrations in the Alisadr show cave in Hamedan province, Iran. This was done in order to assess the risk from natural environmental radiation to tourists and cave guides. The study was carried out in 12 locations in the winter and spring periods. The mean radon concentration during the winter period was 1504.6 Bq m⁻³ and the highest value was 2280.4 Bq m⁻³ during spring. The average absorbed dose for visitors and guides was estimated as 0.02 mSv per visit, and 4.32 mSv per season, respectively. The annual average absorbed dose is rather more significant for staff, being in the order of 16.50 mSv.

Keywords: radon gas; Alisadr Cave; Iran; absorbed dose; radon levels; low radiation; atmospheric radon; natural radiation; environmental radiation; tourists; tourist guides.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2008.019913

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2008 Vol.5 No.2, pp.91 - 97

Published online: 15 Aug 2008 *

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