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queriver
·It was likely what I mentioned above, background radiation from the decay of naturally occurring Uranium in the bedrock or perhaps in the cinder blocks you refer to. This is only really common in the UK in the SW but of course may be more of an issue in countries with higher Uranium ore concentrations. Australia perhaps?
This is not a concern in Australia because the geology underlying our populated areas doesn't comprise of rocks that emit high levels of radon. Excerpt of text copied from ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Agency) website:
"
1990 Australian Radon Survey
Inhalation of the naturally occurring radioactive gas radon and its progeny can be a health concern. In 1990, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency conducted a nationwide survey of more than 3300 Australian homes to determine the radiation dose to the Australian population from exposure to natural background radiation, including radon. Based on this survey, the average concentration of radon in Australian homes is about 10 Bq m⁻³. This is less than in many other countries and compares to a global average indoor value of 40 Bq m⁻³. Average radon levels in Australian homes are only a little larger than the radon levels in outside air and are of minimal concern to the health.
"
Radon map of Australia from https://www.arpansa.gov.au/understa...tion-sources/more-radiation-sources/radon-map
