Preprint

·2026 OPEN ACCESS

Spatial Variability of Indoor Radon Based on Multiple Short-Term Measurements in University Buildings: A Case Study at Yildiz Technical University

Bekir Oruncak , Feride Kulalı Özdek , Güleycan Dedecengiz YTU , Aleyna Gürçalar YTU , Feyzanur Abuş YTU , Selma Dilara Yazıcı YTU , Ayşe Beyza Cuma YTU , Farid Javadzade YTU , Yonca Yahşi Çelen , Osman Günay YTU

SSRN Electronic Journal

Abstract

Radon-222, an inert radioactive gas produced from the decay of radium-226 in the uranium-238 series, is a major contributor to natural radiation exposure. While radon itself is largely exhaled after inhalation, its short-lived decay products—such as isotopes of polonium, lead, and bismuth—can attach to airborne particles and deposit in the lungs, emitting alpha radiation that poses serious health risks. This study aimed to assess indoor radon levels at Yıldız Technical University’s Davutpaşa Campus by conducting short-term measurements in selected high-risk areas, including basements, laboratories, classrooms, and offices across eight different faculties. Measurements were performed in October 2022 and August 2024 using the AlphaGUARD instrument.

Keywords

Radon Background radiation Radiation monitoring Radon gas Radionuclide Environmental science Remote sensing Meteorology

Subject Areas

Radioactivity and Radon Measurements ·Radiological and Ultrasound Technology ·Health Sciences
Radioactive contamination and transfer ·Global and Planetary Change ·Physical Sciences
Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting ·Environmental Engineering ·Physical Sciences

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