Indoor Radon in Larijan Buildings Affected by Geological Characteristics

Background: The decay of uranium and thorium is the primary source of radon emissions, a radioactive gas. The transfer and accumulation of this gas indoors pose serious health risks. Methods: This study investigated indoor radon concentrations in buildings located in areas with different geological characteristics. Thirty-six buildings were examined across three locations in Larijan, Iran, with samples collected from living rooms and bedrooms over a three-month period.Results: The average radon concentrations in bedrooms and living rooms were ۱۱۴.۴۰ Bq/m۳ and ۱۲۸.۳۵ Bq/m۳, respectively. Indoor radon levels in buildings near hot springs were ۲۴.۶۶% higher than those in buildings close to, and ۴۵.۳۱% higher than those in buildings far from, hot springs. Seasonal variation was also observed: the average concentration in winter was ۱۱۲.۰۵ Bq/m۳, compared with ۱۳۰.۸۹ Bq/m³ in summer. These findings indicate that both climatic and geological conditions significantly influence indoor radon levels. Conclusion: Since radon concentrations in most buildings exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of ۱۰۰ Bq/m۳, implementing exposure control programs in residential buildings is essential.

کلیدواژه ها:

Indoor air pollution ، radon ، Hot Spring