Determination of 222Rn in air for using phosphogypsum in the construction of dwellings

• Grant number: 06/05990-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2007
• End date: May 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Nuclear Engineering - Applications of Radioisotopes
• Principal Investigator: Barbara Paci Mazzilli
• Grantee: Elaine Wirney Martins
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Natural radioactivity is the main source of the exposure of the world population, due to the natural radiation. The main exposition is due to inhalation of radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their decay products. In dwelling with poor ventilation, the concentration of these elements can reach levels relevant in terms of radioprotection. This project aims to study the viability, as far as radioprotection is concerned, of using plasterboards made of phosphogypsum in the construction of dwellings. This material may present is its composition, significant levels of 226Ra and 232Th, which decay to Rn-222, Rn-220 and other radionuclides; as a consequence the population may be exposed to higher levels of radiation. The concentration of radon will be measured inside the dwelling.