Assessment of indoor radon levels in some dwellings of Beit Fajjar city, Palestine

Abstract

This study presents the indoor radon concentration levels measurements in 46 dwellings of Beit Fajjar city, West Bank, Palestine. The measurements were performed during the period of July16 to September 28, 2008, using CR-39 detectors. The indoor radon concentration levels were found to vary from 18.6 to 215.6 Bq/m3 with an average value of 78.6 Bq/m3. Most of the obtained data are below the action level of 150 Bq/m3. In 0.5% of the measurements, reported in one closed storages and badly ventilated rooms, the radon levels were found to be above 200 Bq/m3. The calculated annual effective doses were found to range from 0.64 to 3.56 mSvy−1 with an overall annual effective dose equivalent of 1.38 mSvy−1. This is an indication that the inspected zones are characterized by low radon exposure doses and no action is recommended.