Radon Concentration and Radon Exhalation Rate for Basement Rocks from Wadi Um Huytat in Central Eastern Desert of Egypt

Knowledge about the occurrence and concentration of radon in environmental samples is essential for monitoring their background levels and their health effects for population. The main aim of this work was to shed more light on Rn-22 concentration (Bq/m(3)), Rn-222 exhalation rate, annual effective dose (in doors) and RRLC (%), in Monzogranite, Dokhan Volcanics (Rhyolite, Dacite, Quartz andesite, Andesitic basalt), Sycnogranite, Granodiorite, Gabbro and Metabasalt samples collected from Wadi urn Huytat area in Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, using Alpha GUARD. The concentrations ranging between 19.67 +/- 8.11 to 258.11 +/- 63.78 with an average value 95.28 +/- 30.72 Bq/m(3), from 0.08 +/- 0.07 to 1.89 +/- 0.49 with an average value 0.66 +/- 0.24 mBq/m(2)s, from 0.187 to 2.453 with an average value 0.905 mSv/y and from 1.017 to 1.253 with an average value 1.089 %, respectively. The three highest values for different basement rocks were found in Syenogranite, Monzogranite and Rhyolite (sample code C22, C19, C17-1,) which have Rn-222 concentrations 258.11 +/- 63.78, 252.78 +/- 62.78 and 220.33 +/- 55.78 Bq/m(3), respectively. The maximum value of radon concentration in all samples was lower than the national reference level of 300 Bq/m(3) recommended ICRP Publication 126. The obtained results for radon concentrations seems to be acceptable and not concerning a health hazard for the inhabitant.