Iranian Journal of

Background and Objective: Radon is highly regarded because of its impacts on public health. Northern regions of Iran have a high potential for radon emissions. This research aimed to measure residential radon concentrations in Tarom country- Zanjan and to compare the results with international standards and acceptable values.

Materials and Methods: Passive diffusive samplers, Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD), with the ability to determine background and longtime concentration, were selected for this study. A total of 30 detectors were located based on a pre-identified network in the residential buildings of Chavarzaq, Ab Bar and Gilvan for a period of three months. Then, detectors were sent to a laboratory for counting the traces.

Results: Based on the results, average radon concentrations in Chavarzaq, Ab Bar and Gilvan were 220.51, 95.25 and 119.84 Bq/m³, respectively. The average radon concentration in Tarom was about 130.57 Bq/m³. There was no meaningful relationship between radon concentration with the age of buildings or number of occupants. In comparison of the results with USEPA standards it was observed that among total samples just one of them was in the range of target level, and 15 detectors were in the range of target to action levels and the remaining samples showed high level of radon requiring corrective measures. In addition, 12 detectors showed values less than the reference level of WHO and the remaining detectors had higher values than WHO level.

Conclusion: Based on results of this research, soil analysis before construction, application of building materials resistant to leakage and regular monitoring of radon levels in region were suggested.