Results of radon concentration measurements in some regions of Russia

Inhalation of radon and its daughter products makes the major contribution to the total exposure of the population to natural radiations. In implementing a complex ecological survey, concentrations of radon and its daughter products were measured in different regions of Russia, namely, in the St Petersburg Region, the Central Territories and the Altay Territory. Two suitable low price versions of the dosimeters for measuring environmental radon concentrations based on track-etch and activated-charcoal detectors were used. The radon daughter product activity and the effective dose equivalents were calculated with an equilibrium factor of 0.5 and a recommended effective dose equivalent factor of 0.061 mSv (Bq m(-3))(-1). Indoor measurements were taken in more than 1000 dwellings and public and industrial buildings of 21 towns and villages. The track chambers were exposed for about 2-3 months and the charcoal detectors for 6-10 days, mainly during the summer. The actual radon and daughter product concentration levels and effective dose equivalents (EDE) are presented and analyzed.