Estimation of Indoor Radon Concentration in Some Houses in Al-Shatra District, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq

Radon is present in houses and everywhere and causes lung cancer, heart problems, and respiratory infections in those who breathe it. Indoor Radon levels were tested for two months in 65 houses in the Al-Shatra, Dhi-Qar Governorate, Iraq, using solid-state nuclear track detectors CR-39. The results obtained indicate that the concentration rates varied clearly, as the lowest concentration was 20.805 Bq/m3 in Al-Moalmen, while the highest concentration was 114.431Bq/m3 in AL-Shaala, with an average of 63.391±22.73Bq/m3. The annual effective inhalation has varied between 0.524 mSv/y and 2.886 mSv/y with a mean of 1.598 mSv/y. On the other hand, the average lung dose was 2.529 nGy/ h. All the results indicate the radon gas levels are within the permissible limits compared to the recommended by American Environmental Protection Agency EPA, which are set at 148Bq/m3, and the inhalation dosage is less than ICRP recommended action limit of 3 mSv/y.