MEASUREMENT OF GAMMA DOSE RATE IN HOSPITALS FOR REHABILITATION IN BULGARIA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the indoor gamma dose rate in 17 inspected hospitals for rehabilitation where the radon measurements were conducted and to give a more comprehensive evaluation of the total exposure dose.
The gamma dose rate in the air was measured in 355 rooms in 17 inspected hospitals for rehabilitation on the territory of Bulgaria. The maximum parameter value was 0.390 μSv/h and the minimum value was 0.06 μSv/h with the 0.157 μSv/h arithmetic mean (standard deviation - 0.160). The gamma dose rate was within the natural variations of the parameter in buildings. Direct measurements of radon were conducted, and the results ranged from 12 Bq/m3 to 3920 Bq/m3. The relationship between the two parameters was examined. A weak correlation between gamma dose rate and indoor radon concentration was found. The measurement of a gamma dose rate could be a useful parameter for carrying out radon workplace control.
Keywords: gamma dose rate, hospitals, radon, direct measurement.
1. INTRODUCTION
Natural radioactivity is an integral part of our environment. Humans