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Measurement of indoor radon concentration and assessment of doses in different districts of Alexandria city, Egypt

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Abstract

The main objective of this study is to assess the health hazard due to the indoor radon. Measurement studies have been carried out in 56 dwellings belonging to 14 residential areas in Alexandria city, Egypt. Results are obtained using the LR-115 (Type II) alpha track detector in “closed-can” geometry. The dosimeters were installed in bedroom, living room, and the kitchens of each house. For intercomparison purpose, dosimeters are installed in basements, ground floor, and first floor. Measured indoor radon concentrations were found to vary from 15 to 132 Bq m−3. The average radon concentrations in living room, bedrooms, and kitchen in basements were found to vary from to be 39 ± 10, 63 ± 15 and 81 ± 25 Bq m−3, respectively. In living room, bedrooms, and kitchen, on ground floor, the average radon concentrations were found to be 35 ± 9, 44 ± 6 and 56 ± 10 Bq m−3, whereas on first floor, the average values are 29 ± 8, 34 ± 7 and 45 ± 8 Bq m−3, respectively. The overall mean radon concentration in all surveyed districts has been found to be 44 ± 16 Bq m−3. The mean annual estimated effective dose received by the residents of the studied area is estimated to be 0.75 mSv. The obtained results are compared with the indoor radon levels prescribed by the International Commission on Radiation Protection and are found to be less than the action level recommended.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to express his thanks to the residents of the studied area for their co-operation during the field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Basic and Applied Science, Faculty of Engineering, Arab Academy for Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1029, Alexandria, Egypt

    Mohamed Abd-Elzaher

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  1. Mohamed Abd-Elzaher
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Correspondence to Mohamed Abd-Elzaher.

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Abd-Elzaher, M. Measurement of indoor radon concentration and assessment of doses in different districts of Alexandria city, Egypt. Environ Geochem Health 35, 299–309 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-012-9494-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-012-9494-7

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