Development of an economical radon-resistant construction technique that is applicable in national radon-reduction programmes. (21st September 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mortazavi, S.M.J.; Mehdizadeh, S.; Zehtabian, M.; Sina, S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of low radiation. Volume 6:Number 2(2009)
• Page Start: 113
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2009-09-21
• Subjects: zeolite -- bentonite -- radon reduction -- Iran -- lung cancer -- low radiation -- indoor radon; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Radiation tolerance -- Periodicals; 571.4505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-6545

Abstract

Radon is believed to be an important risk factor for lung cancer. Radon levels in some regions of Ramsar, a city in northern Iran, are up to 3700 Bq/m³. On the other hand, in the hot springs of Mahallat, in the central part of Iran, the indoor mean radon concentration in air is as high as 480 Bq/m³. In order to develop an economical radon-resistant construction technique, the radon-reducing properties of zeolite and bentonite minerals have been investigated. It was found that zeolite and bentonite both significantly decrease the indoor radon level. The efficiency of zeolite in radon reduction is significantly greater than that of bentonite. As both zeolite and bentonite can be found in many parts of Iran, these mineral sorbents can be used in national remedial action programmes.