Monitoring of Gross Alpha around Some Industrial Regions in Egypt

Abstract

Air quality monitoring could potentially improve exposure estimates use in epidemiological studies. Air quality was investigated by monitoring concentrations of 222Rn near the ground at 1 m height and particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5). In this study, radon activity outdoor air and total alpha emitters in the atmosphere and its behavior in the environment have been investigated using CR-39 nuclear track detector. Measurements of radon and total alpha were evaluated in five locations of delta Egypt. It was measured continuously by collecting air samples at a height of 1m above the ground level using a high pump with known air flow rate. The mean estimated value of radon activity was 85 Bq/m3 which varies from 20 to 190 Bq/m3 in air 1 m above the ground surface. The highest radon activities were observed in the industrial zones. The total alpha emitters were ranged from 144.1 Bq/m3 to 513.2 Bq/m3 with an average 209 Bq/m3.The calculated average annual effective dose to the general public was calculated and ranged from1.23 mSv/y to1.45 mSv/y. This work was the first nation-wide outdoor radon survey, while previous outdoor measurements were concerning mining and milling sites.