Study of Indoor Radon, Thoron and Their Progeny in South West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, India

Abstract

A survey of indoor radon/thoron and their progeny concentrations was carried out in dwellings in the South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. The survey was carried out using solid-state nuclear track detectors based on single-entry pinhole dosimeter and direct radon/thoron progeny sensors. The results are subjected to statistical analysis and discussed in the manuscript. The mean value of annual effective dose of the study region is estimated at 1.8 mSv.y −1. Seasonal variability and role of different indoor parameters are also discussed.

Radon study around earthquake affected areas of Nepal

“…[24] ). However, the average of this study was higher than those calculated in the dwellings of Kathmandu valley, Nepal (80 Bq/m 3 ; [25,26]), nationwide average of Japan (14.3 Bq/m 3 ; [27]) and indoor radon of Meghalaya, India (59.9 Bq/m 3 ; [10]) . In addition this average was slightly more than double the world average indoor radon concentration of 40 Bq/m 3 [1].…”

“…It is observed that radon concentrations in Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk were comparatively higher than those of Kathmandu valley. The variation in radon concentrations might be due to difference in topography of locations, ventilation systems and building materials used in the dwellings [9,10]. The permissible limit for radon concentration is 300 Bq/m 3 [18] and in this study only two of the measurements, 397±71 Bq/m 3 (Sindhupalchowk) and 363±65 Bq/m 3 (Gorkha), were observed above the limit.…”

“…Gorkha district, Kathmandu valley and Sindhupalchowk district were the most affected by this earthquake. The cracks and fissures developed on soil due to earthquake or landslides are supposed to enhance radon exhalation from soil [9][10][11][12]. As Nepal is prone to earthquake, the assessment of radon concentration has become necessary as a baseline study for future investigation.…”