Radon measurement in construction materials from the northeastern region of thailand

Indoor radon concentration plays a vital role in the total annual effective dose due to internal radiation exposure. This research investigated the radon gas found in concrete, which consists of rocks, sand, and cement. It can be found in most houses and buildings in Thailand to evaluate the possible residents' health hazards. Radon was measured using an ionization chamber detector (ATMOS 12 DPX), and the values of the radon concentration, radon exhalation rate, and annual effective dose were calculated. This study collected concrete samples from Loei, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces in the northeastern region of Thailand. The radon concentration in the concrete samples varied from 22.00 & PLUSMN; 4.00 to 110.00 & PLUSMN; 8.00 Bq & BULL; m-3, with an average of 56.77 & PLUSMN; 5.77 Bq & BULL;m-3. These values were below the guideline level of 148 Bq & BULL;m-3, recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The radon exhalation rate varies from 4.20 & PLUSMN; 0.84 to 55.07 & PLUSMN; 4.00 Bq & BULL;kg-1 & BULL;h-1, with an average of 15.47 & PLUSMN; 1.68 mBq & BULL;kg-1 & BULL;h-1. The annual effective dose ranges from 0.57 & PLUSMN; 0.10 to 2.89 & PLUSMN; 0.21 mSv & BULL;y-1, with an average of 1.47 & PLUSMN; 0.15 mSv & BULL;y-1. The International Commission recommends the dose limit of 1 mSv & BULL;y-1 for public exposure on Radiological Protection (ICRP).