Radon and thoron progeny concentrations in the dwellings of Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Radon and thoron progeny levels in the dwellings of Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh, India, were estimated using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs). The average values of radon and thoron progeny levels are found to be 2.80 mWL and 4.31mWL respectively. These levels were found to be higher in winter season as compared to other seasons. An attempt has been made to study the variations of these levels with different types of building materials used for the construction of the dwellings. It is observed that radon/thoron progeny levels are relatively high in mud walled houses as compared to the houses constructed with other types of walls, and also high in concrete flooring houses as compared to limestone and marble floorings. (author)