Indoor radon (222Rn) concentration measurements in Cyprus using high-sensitivity portable detectors

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Radiological Protection

Background:

• Radon ((222)Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors.
• Elevated indoor radon levels pose a significant health risk, primarily lung cancer.
• Understanding regional radon distribution is crucial for public health risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure airborne radon ((222)Rn) concentrations in various Cypriot buildings and dwellings.
• To assess the potential annual effective dose equivalent to the Cypriot population.
• To compare Cypriot radon levels with global averages.

Main Methods:

• Utilized high-sensitivity, portable radon ((222)Rn) detectors (RADIM3 type).
• Monitored radon concentrations in closed rooms over approximately 48 hours with 2-4 hour sampling intervals.
• Calibrated detectors ensured accurate measurements of radon activity concentrations.

Main Results:

• Measured radon ((222)Rn) activity concentrations ranged from 6.2 to 102.8 Bq m(-3).
• The overall arithmetic mean radon concentration was 19.3 ± 14.7 Bq m(-3), which is half the world average.
• Calculated annual effective dose equivalent ranged from 0.16 to 2.6 mSv, with a mean of 0.49 ± 0.37 mSv.

Conclusions:

• Indoor radon ((222)Rn) levels in Cyprus are generally lower than the global average.
• The calculated population dose equivalent in Cyprus is below levels associated with significant risk.
• Further research could explore specific building characteristics influencing radon levels in Cyprus.