Evaluation of Radon-222 Level in the Warehouses at Umm Al-Qura University

Radon-222 Level in Warehouses

Abstract

Radon (222Rn), a daughter product of Ra in Uranium series, is a naturally occurring radioactive gaseous isotope. When radon isotopes are inhaled, it might damage the lungs if very excessive. The aim of this work is to assess 222Rn activity concentration present inside 26 warehouses of Umm Al-Qura University using RAD 7 detector and to alert the workers, while working inside the warehouses. The highest 222Rn concentration was 126.1±6.2 Bq/m3 in the old storage 2 with AED (annual effective dose equal) to 3.18 mSv/y. The lowest was 8.3±0.98 Bq/m3 in the organic chemicals storage with AED equal to 0.209 msv/y. The value of EP (Exposure to 222Rn Progeny) and the PAEC (potential alpha energy concentration) was equal to in the range 0.0533 WLM/Y-0.0351 WLM/Y and 13.63-0.9 mWL respectively in the two warehouses. The value of CPPP (number of lung cancer cases per year per million people) was 57 in the old storage 2 warehouse, while the lowest value was found in Organic Chemicals Storage warehouse which was equal to 4. 222Rn concentration in all the 26 warehouses is substantially below the limits set by US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), which recommends remediation at a maximum of 148 Bq/m3 (4 pCi/L) but according ALARA high ventilation system is recommended in warehouses rooms.