Residential indoor radon concentrations mapping using solid state nuclear track detectors in some parts of Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is need for efforts geared towards the continuous indoor radon monitoring programme that will engender setting-up of the national radon reference level. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine concentrations of radon in the indoor environments of residential buildings. Methods: Multi-stage sampling protocol was employed in selecting buildings for measurement. Solid state nuclear track detectors (CR-39) mounted in buildings were used for the measurements. Results: The mean indoor radon concentrations obtained was 7.13 ± 0.09 Bq m^-3. It is lower than that obtained from a similar study in Nigeria and those reported from other countries, except India. It is as well lower than the national action level for existing and new buildings in many countries, and the recommended limit of 200 Bq m^-3 for mitigation. Conclusions: This study has made available the baseline data which suggest that the environments assessed are safe from radon problems. The results obtained were used to generate radon map for the study area.

Keywords: Radon indoor concentrations; solid state nuclear track detectors (CR-39); radon map