Environmental radon pollution study in Garhwal Himalayas

Abstract

Man has been always exposed to different kinds of radiations. Some of them are indirect and invisible radiations, which may affect the human health. Radon a radioactive gas is one of them. The soil and under-groundwater are its main sources. This gas can be measured and detected by chemical and physical processes. A detail study has been carried out in the Garhwal Himalayas. The traditional living standard, typical house construction and geography of the area were taken in consideration during measurements. The measurement of radon has been carried out in soil, water, mud houses and cemented houses by using LR-115 Type II plastic track detector. In some places of region the radon concentration was found higher than the international recommended level. The radon gas concentrations in soil, water, mud houses and cemented houses were found to vary from 1.7 kBq/m³ to 56.5 kBq/m³, 2Bq/l to 887 Bq/l and 15 Bq/m³ to 187 Bq/m³, respectively. In the above investigation 26% mud houses and 4% cemented houses have recorded higher radon concentration as per recommended by the ICRP level (200 Bq/m³). These high values were discussed in detail for further study.