Exposure of Dwelling Populations to Alpha Particles and Its Health Impact in Illar Region, Tulkarem-Palestine

Radon concentrations were measured using passive dosimeters SSNTD CR-39inIllar region, Tulkarem, Palestine. The dosimeters were installed in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens, which were selected randomly in the surveyed area. Indoor radon levels and the annual effective dose in houses were found to be from 4.9-116.0 Bq m and 0.11-1.73 mSv y, respectively, with average values of 38.3 Bq m and 0.96 mSv y. Average values of radon concentration levels in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens were 14.0, 27.1, 44.45 and 69.3 Bqm respectively. The corresponding average values of annual effective dose for the living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens were 0.35, 0.68, 1.11, 1.73 mSv y, respectively. Indoor radon concentration values were lower than that of the world average value of 40 Bqmand lower than the level recommended by the ICRP of 100 Bq m. Excess lung cancer risk was calculated using US EPA occupancy factors from the measured indoor radon concentrations. The overall average values of ERR for ages 35 and 55 years were found to be 0.29 and 0.23, respectively. The ERR due to indoor radon was within the standard limits and does not pose any serious threat to the occupants of the houses investigated.