Radon and its progeny levels in coal mines of Kothagudem

Radon and its progeny levels have been assessed in coal mines of Kothagudem in Andhra Pradesh. The solid state nuclear track detectors were employed for estimating radon and its progeny levels. Quarterly variations over a year follow the usual form of reduced levels in rainy season but depth variation depended on the grade of coal out-crop. Results establish that radon activity levels depend on the location and the type of mining operation. The mean radon and its progeny levels in the Kothagudem mining are measured to be 215 ± 84 Bq/m3 and 29 ± 14 mWLs, respectively. (author)