Title: The investigation and measurement of the radon gas working level inside buildings in Rafsanjan

Authors: Hassan Ranjbar Askari, Mojtaba Rahimi, Ali Negarestani

Addresses: Physics Department, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan, Iran. ' Physics Department, Vali-e-Asr University, Rafsanjan, Iran. ' International Center for Science & High Technology & Environmental Sciences, Mahan, Iran

Abstract: Radon gas and its daughters are radioactive and radiate alpha particles with high energy. These particles can cause DNA damage, which may or may not be properly repaired. Also, if these particles get into the lungs for a long period of time, they may damage the lungs| inner tissue. This is one of the most important causes of lung cancer after smoking. This paper presents a report on the measurement of radon concentration by means of a radon working level meter, based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conditions in 68 houses, which cover 0.23% of the total houses in Rafsanjan city. The results show 0.35 mWL and 33.43 mWL as the minimum and maximum concentrations, respectively. Additionally, the concentration in 5.12% of the houses is more than the acceptable value.

Keywords: radon gas; radon daughters; lung cancer; radon working level meter; alpha particles; natural radioactive materials; air conditions; underground waters; low radiation; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLR.2008.019914

International Journal of Low Radiation, 2008 Vol.5 No.2, pp.98 - 103

Published online: 15 Aug 2008 *

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