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Radon and respiratory parameters of some secondary school students in Prizren – Kosovo
Author(s) -
Bislimi Kemajl,
Mazreku Ilir,
Gashi Agim,
Bahtijari Meleq,
Halili Jeton,
Grapci Linda,
Halili Fetah
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.lb335
Subject(s) - radon , respiratory system , indoor air , basement , radon gas , pulmonary function testing , environmental science , medicine , geography , physics , environmental engineering , archaeology , quantum mechanics
The objective of this investigation was the relationship between radon concentration level from indoor areas (classrooms) in some secondary schools of Prizren municipality and eventual consequences of ionizing radiation in the respiratory parameters of secondary school students (N=50, males and females, age 13–15 ).The measurement of radon concentration in indoor area of classrooms from different floors was made with alpha stimulating method using portable apparatus PRM‐145 and the CR‐39 detector of trace that was developed in the “Josef Stefan” Institute in Ljubljana. In the indoor air of classrooms that are located on the basement, the annual average radon concentration (222Rn) varies from 335 – 485 Bq/m3, whereas in the classrooms of other floors between 11–28 Bq/m3. Respiratory parameters were measured by the use of the method of Pulmonary Function Test. Results of the investigation show that compared with the same age group students who study in classrooms with low radon concentration; the students of classrooms with high level of radon concentration show the decreased values of respiratory parameters (tidal volume, vital capacity). The most pronounced changes of these respiratory parameters are emphasized in male students compared to female students.