Author:Â Sarita Garg
Abstract: Radon and its isotopes Rn222 and Rn220 are found in the naturally occurring elements present in earth’s crust. Exposure to radon Rn222and its progeny in indoor atmosphere can result in significant inhalation risk to the population particularly where the concentration of Rn222 is high. For assessment of radiological hazards due to inhalation of radon and its decay products, the indoor concentrations are more important than the outdoor concentration. The National Academy of Science (NAS) estimated that 15000 – 22000, Americans die every year from radon related lung cancer. However, almost 90% of those deaths were from lung cancer caused by inhaling radon released to indoor air from water. Only about 10% of the deaths were from cancers of internal organs. Prominent process of Rn222 entry in most of the residence appears to be the pressure driven flow of soil gas through cracks or through other openings in the basement slab or subfloor. This is an important health consequence and efforts have to be made to reduce the harmful effects due to Rn222 and its progeny.
Full Issue
| View or download the full issue | PDF 1-6 |