A review on human exposure to indoor radon concentration and measuring techniques in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Radioactive materials which occur naturally have widely presence in the earth’s crust and these materials are the most common sources of ionizing radiation present in an environment. Radon and its decay product contribute significant amount (more than 50%) of ionizing radiation in the atmosphere. This ionizing radiation increases the exposure of radiation to human being in the surroundings. The risk due to radon-222 and its decay products is more in poorly ventilated houses, mines and caves etc. This paper presents a review study on radon-222 and thoron-220 concentration/level done previously in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. In this review paper, the various outcomes of indoor radon-222 and thoron-220 concentration measured in the Garhwal Himalaya region are mainly discussed in details.