Measurement of potential alpha energy exposure and potential alpha energy concentration and estimating radiation dose of radon in Sari City in the north region of Iran

In dwellings in Sari city in the northern region of Iran, the potential alpha energy exposure (PAEE) and potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) have been measured and the radiation dose due to radon and its progenies has been estimated. In this study, the dosemeters DOSEman and SARAD GmbH (Germany), which are sensitive to alpha particles, were used. The population of the city of Sari is 495 369 people and the density of population is 116.5 people per km2. A percentage of the total household population of Sari in areas of geographically different samples was selected. The PAEE, PAEC and radon concentration in four different seasons in a year in homes for sampling were measured. The mean PAEE due to indoor radon in homes of four cities in Sari city was estimated to be 28.23 Bq m-3 and the mean PAEC was estimated to be 27.11 Bq m-3. Also the mean indoor radon level was found to be 29.95 Bq m-3. The annual dose equivalent is ∼0.0151 mSv y-1. Measurement results show that the average PAEE, PAEC and radon concentration are higher in winter than in other seasons. This difference could be due to stillness and lack of air movement indoors in winter. (authors)