DETAILED INDOOR RADON SURVEY IN DWELLINGS OF PROVISIONAL RADON-PRONE AREAS IN KOREA

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2022 Jul 1;198(8):472-481. doi: 10.1093/rpd/ncac085.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine indoor radon concentrations for 11 counties in Korea, develop a detailed radon distribution map and compare the results by some factors influencing indoor radon levels. The radon survey was conducted for 7 y in provisional radon-prone areas selected based on the previous national surveys. The total number of samples was >2.5% of the entire dwellings by each county. The annual average indoor radon concentration for the survey areas had a geometric mean of 94 Bq m-3 with 6.6% of all sampled dwellings showing values exceeding 300 Bq m-3. Some areas with relatively high indoor radon concentration were identified through a spatial distribution map. Seasonal variations were observed with commonly the highest concentration in winter, and house characteristics influencing indoor radon levels. This study can serve as a basis for developing national radon action plans and guide for additional regional radon surveys.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive* / analysis
  • Air Pollution, Indoor* / analysis
  • Housing
  • Radiation Monitoring* / methods
  • Radon* / analysis
  • Republic of Korea
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Radioactive
  • Radon