Assessment of indoor radon, thoron and their progeny levels in dwellings of Jind District of Himalaya, Northern India

Everyone on the planet is exposed to some background level of ionizing radiation. Radon and Thoron measurement in the residential Indian environments is very important because of its effects on human health especially causing cancer in the respiratory system. The levels of radon, thoron and their progeny in the dwellings of Northern India have been determined by using twin chamber dosimeter cups. The concentrations of radon and thoron were found to vary from 2.94-44.27 Bq/m³ and 21.3-152.66 Bq/m³ and their progeny concentrations were found to vary from 1.80-16.77 mWL and 0.112-0.674 mWL. The values of life time fatality risk and annual effective dose were found to vary from 0.24x10^-4 - 1.21 x10^-4 and 0.31-3.90 mSv/y, respectively. The variation in the above parameters strongly influenced by the type of dwelling construction and their ventilation conditions. (author)