Effect of radon measurement methods on dose estimation

Different radon measurement methods were applied in the old and new buildings of the Turkish bath of Eger (Hungary), in order to elaborate a radon measurement protocol. Besides, measurements were also made concerning the radon and thoron short-lived decay products, gamma dose from external sources and water radon. The most accurate results for dose estimation were provided by the application of personal radon meters. Estimated annual effective doses from radon and its short-lived decay products in the old and new buildings, using 0.2 and 0.1 measured equilibrium factors, were 0.83 and 0.17 mSv, respectively. The effective dose from thoron short-lived decay products was only 5 % of these values. The respective external gamma radiation effective doses were 0.19 and 0.12 mSvy-1. Effective dose from the consumption of tap water containing radon was 0.05 mSvy-1, while in the case of spring water, it was 0.14 mSvy-1. (authors)