Radiation biology. Radioecology
ISSN: 0869-8031

Archives → 2020 → V. 60. № 1. → pp. 89-98

Article

Variations of Radon Activity Concentration in Traditional Village Houses

P. S. Miklyaev¹ and T. B. Petrova²

¹Sergeev Institute of Environmental Geoscience, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia ²Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Chemistry, Moscow, Russia

Abstract

In order to assess the time variability of radon concentration in the premises of traditional village houses, continuous measurements of radon activity concentration in the premises air of two houses located in the Western part of the Moscow region (Mozhaisk and Istra districts) were carried out in August 2017, in July–August 2018 and in February–March 2019. In the summer of 2017, continuous measurements of radon flux density from the ground surface near the house were performed simultaneously. It was found that the nature of variations in radon concentration in the room depends on the season. In summer, the radon concentration in village houses is subject to strong daily fluctuations, which are characterized by highs at night and lows during the day. Radon concentration is directly proportional to the temperature difference inside and outside the room and inversely proportional to the wind speed. In winter, the indoor radon concentration was on average three times higher than in summer, and varied inversely with the temperature difference inside and outside the house there were no daily fluctuations. Regardless of the season, factors such as the radon flux density from the ground surface, as well as the mode of operation of the premises (ventilation) practically do not affect the concentration of radon in village houses.