Radon concentration in two largest cities in semitropical Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Health

Background:

• Radon (Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
• Indoor radon exposure is a significant contributor to public radiation dose.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure radon concentration in indoor and outdoor environments in Taipei and Kaohsiung.
• To assess the associated effective dose equivalent.

Main Methods:

• Grab sampling using active charcoal and ionization chambers or working level monitors.
• Long-term monitoring using cellulose nitrate films for alpha detection.

Main Results:

• Average indoor radon concentration: 17 ± 6 Bq m⁻³.
• Outdoor radon levels were approximately half of indoor levels.
• Average radon concentration in coal mines: 88.5 ± 9.5 Bq m⁻³.

Conclusions:

• The induced effective dose equivalent was assessed as 0.67 mSv y⁻¹.
• Indoor radon levels in Taiwan's major cities were quantified.