Radon measurements in soils and building materials of Kashmir

In this study, ²²²Rn and ²²⁶Ra activity concentration, annual effective dose and radon exhalation rate were measured in samples of building materials and soils collected from the city of Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir. The samples were measured using the passive technique with CR-39 detectors. ²²²Rn activity concentration in sand, brick, blocks, soil and tiles varies from 259 to 401, 230-464, 273-421, 256-523 and 267-438 Bq/m³, respectively. The annual effective dose for people living in built environments with sand, bricks, blocks, soil and tiles ranges from 4.0-6.32, 3.62-7.31, 4.30-6.63, 4.03-8.24 and 3.36-6.90 mSv/y, respectively, and the mean values are 5.16, 5.31, 5.31, 5.56 and 5.26 mSv/y. The radon activity concentration results were compared with the limits set by the Health Protection Agency UK (200 Bq/m³), US-EPA (148 Bq/m³) and WHO (100 Bq/m³). Some samples exceeded these recommended limits, indicating a potential health risk.