The difference of radon activities between cold and hot months in Iraq

Exposure to radon and its daughters is one of the important contributions for radiation doses to the publics. In this study, concentrations of radon gas was measured in the soil and air in Al-Tuwaitha Nuclear Site and some surrounding areas. Measurements were achieved by RAD7, radon detector, manufactured by DURRIDGE COMPANY Inc. These concentrations values were used to calculate the annual effective dose, the dose exposed to the soft tissues other than the lungs (Dsoft) tissue, the dose rate due to alpha-radiation (Dlung), the effective dose equivalent rate (Heff) and the annual effective dose (AED). It has been observed that winter concentrations of indoor radon are greater than summer concentrations. The higher amount in the winter is attributed to the observation that people normally keep their windows closed during the winter, allowing indoor radon concentrations to rise. The lower radon concentrations in the summer might occur because people often open their windows, allowing low-radon outside air to enter the home. The results from this study shows that the region has background radioactivity levels within the natural limits.