Measurements of 210Pb concentrations in airborne in Kuwait

The concentrations of 210Pb in the atmosphere of Kuwait City have been monitored over a period of five years (January 1994 to December 1998) using cellulose air filters for analysis with liquid scintillation counting forgross beta. Results show that the distribution of daily averaged 210Pb concentrations varied from 0.002 to 2.53 mBqm(-3) with an average of 0.896 mBqm(-3) and a geometric mean of 0.687 mBqm(-3). The study suggests that the existence of 210Pb in air in Kuwait originates mainly from re-circulated fraction of 210Pb which was already deposited on ground surface, not from direct decay of radon. The long-term trend pattern for the five years shows a seasonal variation with maximum concentrations occurring in the autumn season.