View source for Calculating Radon Doses

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<span style="font-size:115%;"> '''Radon levels (in [[Radon: Units of Measure|Bq/m<sup>3</sup>]]) are used directly to control radon levels in homes and most workplaces. However, sometimes it is necessary to calculate the effective dose due to radon exposure for some workplaces.''' </span>

ICRP develops [[ICRPædia Guide to Dose Coefficients|dose coefficients]] to simplify the calculation of [[Absorbed, Equivalent, and Effective Dose|equivalent dose and effective dose]] for inhaled or ingested radionuclides.

In simplest terms, calculating the dose from inhaling radon involves multiplying the average radon level (e.g. in [[Radon: Units of Measure|Bq/m<sup>3</sup>]]) by the time spent, and the right [[ICRPædia Guide to Dose Coefficients|dose coefficient]].
<center> ''[[Absorbed, Equivalent, and Effective Dose|Effective dose]] = radon level × time × [[ICRPædia Guide to Dose Coefficients|dose coefficient]]'' </center>Using the [[ICRPædia Guide to Dose Coefficients|dose coefficient]] for most circumstances of occupational exposure, breathing air with 50 [[Radon: Units of Measure|Bq/m<sup>3</sup>]] of radon (a typical worldwide value in buildings) for one year at work (2000 hours) gives an [[Absorbed, Equivalent, and Effective Dose|effective dose]] of 0.7 mSv. For working indoors doing substantial physical activity, or for exposures in tourist caves, the recommended [[ICRPædia Guide to Dose Coefficients|dose coefficient]] is higher, so breathing air with 50 [[Radon: Units of Measure|Bq/m<sup>3</sup>]] of radon for one year at work gives an [[Absorbed, Equivalent, and Effective Dose|effective dose]] of 1.4 mSv.



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