Indoor radon monitoring in Northern Iran using passive and active measurements

A reconnaissance study of radon concentrations in Hamadan city, Iran

“…This dose when compared with the ICRP recommendation of 1 mSv/y for a member of the public is relatively high (ICRP, 1993), although it is lower than that observed in Ardabil, northern Iran, by Hadad et al (2007) which was 5.00 mSv/y. As a result of this study, it is therefore recommended that a more extensive study of radon in dwellings in such regions (in particular on alluvial fans) should be undertaken to more fully quantify the risk to householders.…”

“…This may be because of inhabitants closing doors and windows in the summer to keep hot air from entering the buildings, although in the year of measurement the summer was wetter and cooler than in the previous year. A recent study of radon in homes in Iran was published by Hadad et al (2007) focussed on four northern cities (Lahijan, Arbadil, Sar-Ein and Namin, see Fig. 1).…”

“…Hamadan in relation to the capital of Iran, Tehran, the high background radiation area of Ramsar and the towns discussed by Hadad et al (2007). between elevated areas and the lower plains (Beaumont, 1973;Metz, 1989).…”

“…Published studies demonstrate that radon is the largest single contributor to natural radiation exposure for the general public (UNSCEAR, 1993). However, there is limited work published in the international scientific literature on indoor radon concentrations in Iranian homes and workplaces (one exception being Hadad et al, 2007), although some data can be found in less readily available sources (Taghizadeh and Eftekharnejad, 1968;Sohrabi et al, 1993;Samavat, 2002). These though were focussed on High Level Background Radiation Areas (HLBRAs) in northern Iran.…”

“…The short summer period may experience temperatures as high as 39 • C, but averages in July are around 25 • C. Strong winds can affect the region throughout much of the year, with north and north-west winds in the spring and winter periods which are often humid, persistent west-east winds in the autumn and local winds that develop due to air-pressure differences Figure 1. Location map showing Hamadan in relation to the capital of Iran, Tehran, the high background radiation area of Ramsar and the towns discussed by Hadad et al (2007).…”