Radon Transport & Analysis of Radon Level in Existing Buildings Structures in India

Due to the harmful consequences of radiation, there has been a growing interest in quantifying natural background gamma radiation levels indoors during the last few decades. Indoor radiation levels depend on various aspects, such as geology and building materials. However, there is a lack of information on the levels of radon in various Indian building types that are now in use. Hence, the study of Radon transport & analysis of Radon levels in existing building structures is conducted across various regions of India over a year, covering all three seasons. The study's main aim is to analyze the total indoor intensity of radon gas and investigate the exhalation rate of 222Rn from concrete and mortar. Monitoring was carried out utilizing LR-115- type Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) films, which accurately observed indoor radon levels. Previous mathematical models missed key variables such as soil flow density and ventilation rates, which led to inadequate predictions of indoor radon concentrations. To overcome this, the mathematical model Integrated Radon Transport and Exhalation Modeling is used, which incorporates various factors such as soil flux density, building material exhalation, ventilation rate, and outdoor radon levels. This inclusive approach enables a more accurate calculation of indoor radon concentrations by capturing the interactions between these factors over time. The study highlights seasonal variations in radon levels, with higher concentrations observed during winter compared to summer and rainy seasons, and also that radon levels are higher at ground level and decrease with elevation.