A combination study of indoor radon and gamma radiation levels in Tusham ring complex

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible correlation between indoor radon and gamma radiation levels in a region of high heat producing rock formations. Since the natural occurring radionuclides are responsible for the major contribution to the total effective dose of the ionizing radiations received by the population, so keeping this in view the indoor radon and gamma radiation levels have been measured in the dwellings of different villages situated in and around the Tusham Ring Complex, Bhiwani district, Haryana, known to be composed of acidic volcanics and the associated granites. The radon concentration levels have not only been found to be varying with the mode of construction of houses and building materials utilized, but also especially on their location with respect to the nearby high heat producing granite rocks. The indoor radon concentration levels at some places, especially those on or close to granite rock formations have been found to be considerably higher and even at some places it also exceeds the upper limit of the proposed action level of the ICRP limits. A better correlation between indoor radon and gamma radiation levels has been observed particularly in case of the dwellings well exposed to the high heat producing granitic rock formations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]