Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research

Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research

Indoor Radon in Larijan Buildings Affected by Geological Characteristics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Somayeh Dadashpoor 1
Parvin Nassiri 2
Alireza Mirzahosseini 1
Nabiollah Mansouri 1
Zahra Azizi 3
1 Department of Natural Resources and Environment, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Geoinformation and Geomatics Engineering, Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
10.34172/jaehr.1403
Abstract
Background: The decay of uranium and thorium is the primary source of radon emissions, a radioactive gas. The transfer and accumulation of this gas indoors pose serious health risks.
Methods: This study investigated indoor radon concentrations in buildings located in areas with different geological characteristics. Thirty-six buildings were examined across three locations in Larijan, Iran, with samples collected from living rooms and bedrooms over a three-month period.
Results: The average radon concentrations in bedrooms and living rooms were 114.40 Bq/m3 and 128.35 Bq/m3, respectively. Indoor radon levels in buildings near hot springs were 24.66% higher than those in buildings close to, and 45.31% higher than those in buildings far from, hot springs. Seasonal variation was also observed: the average concentration in winter was 112.05 Bq/m3, compared with 130.89 Bq/m³ in summer. These findings indicate that both climatic and geological conditions significantly influence indoor radon levels.
Conclusion: Since radon concentrations in most buildings exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 100 Bq/m3, implementing exposure control programs in residential buildings is essential.
Keywords
Indoor air pollution
Radon
Hot spring

Subjects

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Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research
Volume 13, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 228-232