Investigation of Radon Gas Concentration and its Implications on Human Health, in Hawassa Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study is to investigate the radon concentration and associated health impact in randomly selected dwellings and offices, in Hawassa town, Ethiopia. The measurement is conducted in twenty five homes and fifteen offices for seven days in each room, from May to December 2024. Using a Digital portable radon detector the short-term average radon concentration data is collected and analysed.

The measured indoor radon concentration varies from 76.9 Bqm^-3to 304.2 Bqm^-3, and the mean of these data is 173.78 Bqm^-3. The minimum, maximum, and mean annual effective dose rates are 1.94 mSvy^-1, 7.67 mSvy^-1, and 4.38 mSvy^-1 respectively. Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk ranges from a minimum value of 0.007 to a maximum value of 0.026, with an average value of 0.015. The collected data is compared with national and international studies and recommendations by different organizations. Most of the values are above the recent recommendation by the World Health Organization (100 Bqm^-3). The findings indicate the need for awareness creation, radon-level mitigation, and further study.