Radon Levels in New and Old Buildings

Abstract

²²²Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil, rocks, underground water, and air. It is produced by the natural breakdown of ²²⁶Radium in soil and rocks. In outdoor air, radon is usually presents at such low levels that there is very little risk. However, when radon enters a building, it and its decay products can accumulate to high concentrations. Radon, itself, naturally breaks down and forms radioactive decay products. As one breathes, the radon decay products can become trapped in lungs. As these decay products break down further, they release small bursts of energy which can damage lung tissue and lead to lung cancer. In this study, the indoor radon concentrations of some buildings of different ages in Bornoya town of Izmir were determined. Lucas Cells and nuclear track detectors (CR-39) were used for the measurements of ²²²Rn levels in the rooms of 15, 25 and 150 years old buildings. The annual effective dose equivalent from ²²²Rn was calculated in these buildings.