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Assessment of indoor radon, radon exhalation rate, and radium levels within Kpando Municipality, Volta Region, Ghana
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A.S.K. Amable   , F. Otoo , P.K. Buah-Bassuah , A. Twum , E.N. Manso , J.P. Adeti , E. Ahiave |
| School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Basic Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho-Volta, Ghana , askamable@uhas.edu.gh |
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Abstract: (255 Views) |
Background: Radium, a naturally occurring radioactive substance, and its decay product radon, a radioactive gas, can accumulate in the environment and pose health risks to residents. This study aims to assess levels of radium and radon in soils and dwellings in Kpando Municipality and its potential health risks, ensuring informed decision-making for public safety and environmental protection. Materials and Methods: Fifty-one soil samples were collected from seventeen (17) different locations within the Kpando Municipality. The samples were prepared and analyzed for radium concentrations using gamma-ray spectrometry and radon exhalation using closed-can techniques and CR-39 detectors. Radon gas concentrations were measured in one hundred and twenty (120) selected dwellings using CR–39 detectors. Results: The activity concentration of radium, radon levels in dwellings and radon exhalation in soil ranged from 3.4 to 48.1 Bq/kg (23.6 ±4.5 Bq/kg), 23.5 to 124.7 Bq/m3 (60.5±3.2 Bq/m3), and 1.3 to 13.3 µBq/m2h (8.1±0.5 µBq/m2h), respectively. Strong and weak positive correlations were observed between radium/radon exhalation (0.9) and radium/indoor radon (0.3). Radon levels in dwellings and soil exceeded WHO and UNSCEAR recommendations by 11 % and 14 %, respectively. However, 98 % of estimated annual effective doses were below UNSCEAR and ICRP reference levels. Conclusion: The mean activity concentrations of radium and radon were less than WHO and UNSCEAR action levels. Elevated radium and radon concentrations in certain dwellings pose health risks. Urgent measures are needed: further investigations, improved building design, ventilation and awareness campaigns to reduce exposure. |
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| Keywords: Radon, radium, environmental monitoring, annual effective dose, CR-39. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1246 kb]
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Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Radiation Biology
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