Measurement of radon thoron levels in Indian dwellings and radon exhalation rates natural radioactivity in building materials

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate any health hazards related to indoor radiation exposure, it is essential to analyze the levels of radon and thoron in Indian homes as well as determine radon exhalation rates and inherent radioactivity in building materials. In order to fulfill this requirement, this thesis looks into the research issue that includes the above listed elements. newlineReview of Literature: Addressing these limitations requires improved measurement techniques, standardized protocols, and comprehensive studies considering the diverse environmental and cultural factors influencing radon and thoron levels in Indian dwellings. Advances in technology and collaboration between researchers, regulatory bodies, and health organizations can contribute to overcoming these challenges. newlineMethodology: The sealed can technique, twin chamber dosimeter, and sodium iodide detector are the three primary methodologies used in this investigation. These methods make it easier to monitor radon and thoron levels accurately indoors and to evaluate the pace at which radon escapes from building components. These techniques provide thorough information on the sources and amounts of radon and thoron inside, which advances our knowledge of the hazards associated with radiation exposure in Indian homes. newlineResults and Discussion: A very effective thallium-doped sodium iodide detector was used to quantify the natural radioactivity in soil samples taken from the surface of the quotKolaghat Thermal Power Plantquot vicinage in India. The specific activity, or activity concentration, for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 23.70 ± 3.41 to 33.90 ± 4.33 Bq kg-1, with an average of 89.3 ± 7.9 Bq kg-1. The quotSealed Can Techniquequot was used to calculate the radon exhalation rates. The average radon activity is 89.3 ± 7.9 Bq m-3, with a range of 47.9 ± 6.2 to 157.6 ± 11.3 Bq m-3. The mass exhalation rate averaged out to 1.2 ± 0.1 mBq kg-1h-1 and the surface exhalation rate varied between 17.3 ± 2.2 and 56.8 ± 4.1 mBq m-2h-1, with an expectation of 32.1 ± 3.0 mBq m-2 h-