Abstract
Radon-based radiation is a significant issue that can affect resident health as a contributory source of natural radiation from soil construction materials. This study investigates the effect of windcatchers on radon activity concentrations and radon exhalation rate from the soil surface in traditional adobe houses of Yazd, Iran. Radon concentrations were measured by passive detectors in 16 adobe houses. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed for different wind speed to calculate ventilation rate. The concentrations of Rn-222 were in the ranges of 22 +/- 1-117 +/- 8 Bq m(-3) with an average value of 50 +/- 3 Bq m(-3). The radon exhalation rates values were in the range of 8.3 +/- 0.1 to 47.2 +/- 0.5 Bq m(-2) h(-1). Radon concentration results in only one dwelling site were higher than the level recommended by the World Health Organization. The annual radon inhalation dose was found in seven sites higher than the worldwide average.