Indoor gamma radiation and radon concentrations in a Norwegian carbonatite area

J Environ Radioact. 2004;77(2):175-89. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.03.007.

Abstract

Results of indoor gamma radiation and radon measurements in 95 wooden dwellings located in a Norwegian thorium-rich carbonatite area using thermoluminescent dosemeters and CR-39 alpha track detectors, respectively, are reported together with a thorough analysis of the indoor data with regard to geological factors. Slightly enhanced radium levels and thorium concentrations of several thousands Bq kg(-1) in the carbonatites were found to cause elevated indoor radon-222 levels and the highest indoor gamma dose rates ever reported from wooden houses in Norway. An arithmetic mean indoor gamma dose rate of 200 nGy h(-1) and a maximum of 620 nGy h(-1) were obtained for the group of dwellings located directly on the most thorium-rich bedrock.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive / analysis*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis*
  • Gamma Rays
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Norway
  • Radiation Monitoring
  • Radium / analysis
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Thermoluminescent Dosimetry
  • Thorium / analysis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Thorium
  • Radon
  • Radium