Indoor 222Rn Levels and Effectiv Dose Estimation of Academic Staff in izmir-Turkey

Key words: 
• Indoor radon /
• Solid state nuclear track detectors /
• School /
• Annual effective dose

Abstract: Objective To investigate the annual effective doses from indoor radon received by academic staff in the Faculty building.
Methods Measurements of indoor radon concentrations were performed in the Arts and Sciences Faculty of Dokuz Eylul University for two surveys of about 1 month duration respectively using the SSNTD (Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors) method with LR115 detectors. Time integrated measurements comprised different locations inside the faculty building: classrooms, toilets, canteen and offices. Homes of academic staff were also tested for radon.
Results The aritthmetic mean radon concentration is 161 Bq m-3 with a range between 40 and 335 Bq m-3 in the Faculty. Six offices and three classrooms have a radon concentration above 200 Bq m-3. The results show that the radon concentration in classrooms is generally higher than in offices. Based on the measured indoor radon data, the annual effective doses received by staff in the Faculty were estimated to range from 0.79 to 4.27 mSv, according to UNSCEAR methodology. The annual effective doses received by staff ranged from 0.78 to 4.20 mSv in homes. On average, the Faculty contributed 56% to the annual effective dose.
Conclusion Reported values for radon concentrations and corresponding doses are within the ICRP recommended limits for workplaces.