Dose assessment for radon and thoron concentrations in iraqi thermostone bricks

Abstract

This research aims to measure radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) concentrations for selected thermostone bricks samples produced in Iraq. 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations were measured using the active method (RAD7 detector). Also, the inhalation dose for the year was calculated using the 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations. The results of this study indicated that the range of radon concentration values was between 8.00 Bq/m3 to 66.50 Bq/m3; its mean value was 28.22±3.89 Bq/m3. At the same time, the values of thoron concentrations ranged from 27.10 Bq/m3 to 129.00 Bq/m3, with a mean value of 55.46±7.15 Bq/m3. Also, the mean dose value associated with radon and thoron was 0.71±0.098 mSv/y and 0.31±0.039 mSv/y, respectively. According to preliminary research, the concentration of thoron in the current study was higher than that of radon except for two samples. In general, the values of doses from Iraqi thermostone brick samples were within the action level recommended by ICRP, 1993. Therefore, all samples in the present study didn't significantly affect the dose.