A review of radon measurement studies with nuclear track detectors (NTDs) in Azad Kashmir

Abstract

Inhalation of radon and its progeny are the most important component of public exposure to natural radiations. Many epidemiological studies have established the fact that radon and radon progeny are associated with increased incidence of lung cancer. Beside health concerns, radon is an important consideration in other fields, e.g. hydrological research, detection of geological fault lines, prediction of earthquake, uranium deposits and oil exploration. The importance of the subject compelled many scientists to develop methods for measurement and mitigation of radon. During last decade many studies for measurement of radon and thoron have been conducted in Azad Kashmir. In most studies, the techniques used involve the usage of solid state nuclear track detectors. Building materials, including granite, marbles, gravel aggregates, bricks, sand and soil have been characterized through radon exhalation rate studies. Several research articles have been published, reporting indoor radon measurements in dwellings and at workplaces. Though these studies have provided preliminary information about radon levels in the area, however, data obtained are still unable to convey clear information to readers. This review paper attempts to organize the radon data to provide a clearer understanding and roadmap for radon measurements in Azad Kashmir.

Risk assessment of radioactive hazards associated with black sand upgrading processes

“…The inhalation of these minerals during their processing is one of the main threats, which depends mainly on the particle size and requires proper ventilation (Adelikhah et al 2020; Dodge-Wan and Viswanathan 2021; Kocsis et al 2021). In addition, radon-contained minerals in particular seriously affect the respiratory system and resulted in severe health problems (Khan et al 2017).…”

Radiological impact assessment of different building material additives

“…The radon exhalation contributes to the increasing of the internal dose, especially through its progeny. Radon decay products easily can enter into the human respiratory system, where due to their alpha and beta emitter properties, they can cause some serious damage [15][16][17]. As we already mentioned, building materials can increase the dose rate.…”

Radiological assessment of exposure doses and radon exhalation rates of building materials in Saudi Arabia

“…Because these radioactive nuclides are not equally distributed, the knowledge of their presence in soils and rocks as trace amounts play an essential role in radiation exposure measurement. It is mandatory to check building materials as a potential source that contributes to total radiation dose [2]. The contribution of gamma rays emitted from , the radon concentration in the samples varies from 42.29 to 319.97 Bq⋅m −3 with an average of 131.53±28.94 Bq⋅m −3 .…”

“…Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate radioactivity in conventional building materials, where the existing radiation is due to alpha-emitters that are harmful, and cause energy to dissipate sharply in human body tissues. Therefore, U, Ra, and Rn concentrations, and radon exhalation rates for building materials must be investigated from a radiation safety point of view [2]. It is of utmost importance that we identify the amount of inhaled radon 222 Rn from these materials.…”