Calculation of radon exhalation rate of Ahlat stone

Year 2025, Issue: 013, 20 - 27, 31.08.2025

Halime Erzen Yıldız , Mehmet Türkmenoğlu

Abstract

Natural radioactivity can be found in soil, rocks, plants, water, air, building materials, the homes we live in, and even inside our bodies. Radon (222Rn) gas is the most significant natural source of ionizing radiation. 222Rn decays and emits alpha particle radiation (5.49 MeV). When radon and its decay products are inhaled with normal air, most of the radon (approximately 70%) is exhaled, while the decay products adhere to tissues in the respiratory system, causing permanent damage. Because radon accounts for approximately 60% of total natural background radiation, radon exposure has become a worldwide problem. One of the key parameters for estimating environmental radon levels is the radon exhalation rate from building materials. This study calculated the radon and radium concentrations in the Ahlat Taşı building material, the radon exhalation rate, the radon emission coefficient parameters, and the annual effective dose, which is the radiological effect associated with radon. The study used an LR-115 Type II nuclear track detector. The results were compared with both global limit values and previous studies. The radon concentration value (330.51 Bq/m³) was found to be above the limit value, and the annual effective dose equivalent (8.33 mSv/y) was within the action level range recommended by the ICRP. Surface and mass exhalation rates were 322 mBq/m²h and 12.36 mBq/kgh, respectively. Consequently, some measures are recommended to reduce indoor radon levels in residences when Ahlat Stone is used as a building material.

Keywords

Ahlat stone , radiological effect , radon exhalation rate

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