Study Of Radon Exhalation From Building Materials Commonly Used In Malaysian Dwellings

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Date
2011-07
Authors
Al- Halemi, Ahmed Mohammed Ali
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Radon gas ( Rn 222 86 ) is produced continuously from the decay of radium ( Ra 226 88 ) derived from components of the earth’s crust. Radon sources have been a matter of global health concern, as high radon levels may be found in some building materials. This study determines the radon exhalation from Malaysian building materials using a fabricated radon-tight chamber detection system (RTCDS). Thirty six types of building materials, which are commonly used in Malaysian dwellings, were assessed for their radon exhalation rate. Fine sand, coarse sand, gravel, clay brick, and sand brick samples were randomly collected from 5 locations in Malaysian peninsular, namely Ipoh, Perak; Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor; Kulim, Kedah; and the states of Penang and Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory. Besides, 4 types of ceramic tiles and three types of Portland cement were collected from local retailers in Penang and 4 types of granite tiles from a granite quarry in Ipoh. Radon measurements were carried out in the sealed RTCDS and the radon concentrations were sampled after growth time of 80 h.
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Keywords
Radon Exhalation , Dwellings
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