Retrospective radon progeny measurements for dwellings based on implanted activities in glass objects

Estimation of past radon exposure to indoor radon from embedded (210)Po in household glass

In the present investigation, the surface-deposited polonium activities were measured in houses in the Ukhimath region of Garhwal Himalaya, India. The surface-deposited (210)Po activity concentrations were found to vary from 0.7 to 15.40 Bq m(-2) with an average of 5.95 Bq m(-2). The radon concentration estimated on the basis of (210)Po activity was found to vary from 0.29 to 700 Bq m(-3) with an average value 242 Bq m(-3). The contemporary radon concentration in the area was found to vary from 13 to 181 Bq m(-3) with an average of 46 Bq m(-3). The annual effective dose due to (210)Po activity in houses in the Garhwal Himalaya region was found to vary from 0.61 to 13.33 mSv with an average of 5.15 mSv. Some worldwide studies have shown the relation between the increased risk of lung cancer and smoking habits. Data on smoking have also been collected from the same dwellings. The significance of this work is also discussed in detail from a radiation protection point of view.