Radon concentration in basements of old town buildings in the Lublin region, Poland

Abstract

Radon concentration in basements of old buildings in the oldest towns of Lublin region (Zamość, Chelłm and Sandomierz) was determined. Two techniques were applied: passive (Pico-rad) and alpha-spectrometry for radon progeny concentration measurement (SILENA). It was found that only 7% of results exceeded a dose limit of 400 Bq·m^-3, established for old buildings. Radon concentration levels ranged from 0.2 to 5150 Bq·m^-3. Distribution of the results satisfied a log-normal relationship. Applying these two methods at the same time, the radioactive equilibrium factor of radon and its progeny was determined. In the underground ways, open for visitors, no higher radon concentration was observed.