Determination of The Equilibrium Factor and Dose Equivalent From Radon and Its Progeny Using Active and Passive Techniques

Abstract

A 0.241 cubic meter radon chamber was updated where environmental conditions can be varied and controlled. Equilibrium factor (F) between radon and its progeny was determined using active technique (surface barrier detector SBD) and passive technique (CR-39 detectors and activated charcoal canister ACC) under different environmental conditions. A comparison between different values of (F) obtained from the used techniques shows that the values obtained by CR-39 and those obtained by SBD are in coherent agreement. However its values obtained by ACC are about twice those obtained by SBD and CR-39. A calibration factor between ACC and SBD was obtained. Radon concentration, equilibrium factor and radon annual equivalent dose were measured in some dwellings in Cairo, Egypt using activated charcoal. Houses are selected from different locations to cover all Cairo districts. Also radon measurements were performed in different ventilation rooms for the same houses. The level of radon concentration and equivalent dose in some car garages were also tested.