Estimation of mean (RN)-R-222 concentration in water and in indoor air of Karacabey, Bursa (Turkey)

Abstract

Radon (Rn-222) and its decay products are the major sources of natural radiation exposure. Taking this into account, indoor radon measurement studies were carried out in some houses belonging to Karacabey district of Bursa province in Turkey using a professional radon monitor AlphaGUARD PQ 2000PRO. Also, the behavior of the radon concentration with time and its relationship with the building material was investigated. It was found that the estimated average indoor radon concentrations in the surveyed houses ranged from 18 +/- 7 to 102 +/- 33 Bq m(-3) with an overall average value of 42 +/- 14 Bq m(-3). The average value of the annual effective dose received by the residents of the studied area was estimated as 1.05 mSv. The Rn-222 activity concentration in a well water source used for drinking was measured and the annual effective dose due to consumption of Rn-222 with water was also calculated.