Radon concentrations in multi-story buildings in Montenegro

Abstract

Change of radon concentrations in dwellings with floor level was studied in six multi-story buildings, in four towns of Montenegro with different climate conditions. The annual aver- age radon activity concentrations in 35 dwellings are found to be very low, mostly at a level of 20-30 Bqm–3. Absorbed gamma dose rates in these dwellings are in the range of 14-58 nGyh–1. The low radon concentrations are a consequence of a good tightness of the structures in contact with the ground and a small contribution of building materials to radon indoors. A clear general trend of changes in radon concentrations with floor level is not observed. In most of the dwellings on different floors in the multi-story building radon concentration varies very little, mostly within measurement error. A small decrease in radon concentration is noted between the two or three floors closest to the ground, but only in some of the buildings. Therefore, a decrease of indoor radon concentration with floor level cannot be considered as a general characteristic of multi-story buildings. Although the seasonal radon variations have not been in the focus of this study, it was found that the average radon activity concentrations in dwellings of the multi-story buildings are higher in warmer than in cooler half-year period, what is contrary to the general rule for homes in the world and in Montenegro as well.

Keywords

• multi-story building
• year-long radon measurement
• change of radon concentration with floor level