Measurements of indoor 222Rn in Igdir, Turkey with CR-39 detectors

The increasing awareness concerning the harmful effects of radiation on organic structures develop an interest to researchers to investigate the sources and impacts within the environment. In nature, the most common source of radiation comes from (a) cosmic rays, (b) γ-rays and (c) radon gas. The main radioactive elements in earth's crust are 40K, 238U, 232Th series, etc. It has been observed that nearly 50 % of the radiation exposed to in daily life comes from Rn isotopes, especially from 222Rn. The radon gas produced by the decay of 238U in rocks diffuses into the environment via soil, water and eventually, the atmosphere. Low lying places such as cellars, basements and unventilated enclosures can accumulate Rn concentrations to unhealthy levels. Therefore, exposure of radon and radon-decay daughter elements is a potential public health problem. Radon monitoring by the Turkish Atomic Energy Agency began in 1984 and most major cities have accumulated base line information, except the Igdir region. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to determine 222Rn activity concentration in houses and public buildings in Igdir region. CR-39 nuclear trace detectors were used in these measurements. Tracks were read and treated by radosys electronic equipment. According to the results, it is found that radon activity concentration is 23-202 Bq/m3 in winter. Mean value for houses was found as 87 Bq/m3.