Speaker
Mr
Abbey Maheso
(Stellenbosch University)
Description
Radon 222Rn is a natural radioactive gas directly produced from the decay of Radium, 226Ra found in rocks and soil. Since radon is a gas, it can move freely through the soil allowing it to escape into the atmosphere or flow into buildings. South Africa is facing the challenge in mine dumps which contribute radon exposure to the public. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) studies have shown that elevated radon-in-air levels are associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. Over the years surveys of indoor radon levels were performed in Asia, Europe, America, and Canada which include several countries. In 2018 the Centre for Nuclear Safety and Security (CNSS) in South Africa, initiated a project call to design a national indoor radon survey in South Africa. Stellenbosch University was successful in getting funding to execute this project. Here we report on results from our desktop-based survey of existing indoor radon levels for South Africa. We present an initial statistical analysis of the data and use the data to investigate the notion that the radon level in homes follows a lognormal distribution. We also present a summary of radon measurement techniques used to date.
Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> award (Yes / No)?
Yes
Level for award<br> (Hons, MSc, <br> PhD, N/A)?
MSc
Primary author
Mr
Abbey Maheso
(Stellenbosch University)
Co-authors
Dr
Atsile Ocwelwang
(Centre for Nuclear Safety and Security, National Nuclear Regulator)
Dr
Jacques Bezuidenhout
(Stellenboch University)
Ms
LEBOGANG PHEFO
(UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND)
Dr
Peane Maleka
(iThemba LABS)
Prof.
Richard Newman
(Physics Department, Stellenbosch University)
Prof.
Robert Lindsay
(University of Western cape)
Mr
Ryno Botha
(Department of Physics, University of Western Cape)
Ms
Tarryn Anne Bailey
(Stellenbosch University)
