Coordinated indoor radon surveys in some Arab countries

¹ Department of Applied Sciences, College of Technological Studies, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, Shuwaikh, P.O. Box: 42325, Code 70654, Kuwait
E-mail: ds.alazmi@paaet.edu.kw / dalazmi@yahoo.co.uk
² Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, NFC Laboratory, Chemistry and Radiochemistry Unit, Jordan
E-mail: t_alabed66@hotmail.com
³ Geological Survey and Mineral, Resources Board (GSMRB), Ministry of Oil and Minerals, P.O. Box:297Al-Tahrir, Sana'a, Yemen
E-mail: alnossari@yahoo.com
⁴ Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Department of Solid State Physics and Accelerators, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, NCRRT, P.O. Box 29 - Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail: emadborham@yahoo.com
⁵ National Center of Nuclear Sciences and Technologies, Unit of Radiation Protection and Security, Pole Technologique – 2020 sidi Thabet ou B.P 72, Tunis, Tunisia
E-mail: z.chekir@cnstn.rnrt.tn / zeichek@gmail.com
⁶ The department of physics, Tajoura Nuclear Research Center (TNRC), P.O. Box 30878, Tripoli, Libya
E-mail: mskruj@yahoo.com
⁷ Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syria

Received: 27 September 2011
Accepted: 2 December 2011

Abstract

Indoor radon surveys were carried out in some of the Arab countries through a Coordination Research Program (CRP) organized by the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA). The objectives of the program aim at establishing a database on indoor radon concentration levels in the region and investigating any anomalies, where they exist. The approach adopted by the survey teams to achieve public participation in accepting the radon detectors in dwellings is presented and discussed. Most of the participants in the CRP used the passive method (CR-39 plastic detectors) for long-term radon measurements, while others used charcoal detectors and E-Perm systems for short-term measurements. The results of the surveys showed that radon concentration levels in most of the dwellings were low, whilst in some old cities and in an area close to a phosphate mine the levels were found to be relatively high.