Department of Environmental Science, Bangalore University, Bangalore
Online published on 15 April, 2016.
In the present study, temporal variation in the activity of airborne radon in an ambient air environment near the Dept. of Environmental Science, the Bangalore University campus was recorded at a time intervals of 2 hrs for a period of 8 days, using RAD7 analyzer employing continuous 1day protocol. Air-borne radon activity ranged from BDL to 17.70 Bq/m3 with a mean value of 5.56 ± 4.38 Bq/m3(hourly-basis) and 5.39 ± 1.48Bq/m3 (day-wise), being less than the EPA (148 Bq/m3) and WHO (100 Bq/m3) prescribed action levels. Major portion (82.76%) of the radon measurements was in the range of 0.0 and 9.0 Bq/m3. An attempt was made to establish annual effective dose to basal cells of the bronchial epithelium due to inhalation of radon and was found to be < 0.40 mSv/y. Due to existence of less ventilation in the indoor environment, indoor radon activity remains higher than the outdoor radon activity, Overall, the health hazards related to radiation from outdoor radon activity are expected to be negligible and relatively safe.
Radon, outdoor, indoor, occupancy, equivalent dose
