Radon and Thoron Exhalation from Soil ground water and Non-Ground water Zones and Building Materials in Pune City

Abstract

Radon and thoron are naturally occurring radioactive gases released from soil and building materials, and they contribute significantly to indoor radiation exposure. The present study investigates the radon and thoron exhalation rates from soil samples collected from ground water (GW) and non-ground water (NGW) zones of Pune City, along with commonly used building materials. Measurements were carried out to understand how geological conditions and moisture availability influence the release of these gases. Results indicate that soil from GW zones generally shows higher exhalation rates compared to NGW zones, likely due to increased moisture content and enhanced radium mobility. Building materials also exhibited varying levels of radon and thoron release depending on their composition and origin. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring radon and thoron emissions in both soil and construction materials, as they play a key role in assessing environmental radiation risk and ensuring safer living conditions in urban areas like Pune