Indoor radon surveys were carried out in some of the Arab
countries through a Coordination Research Program (CRP) organized
by the Arab Atomic Energy Agency (AAEA). The objectives of the program
aim at establishing a database on indoor radon concentration levels
in the region and investigating any anomalies, where they exist.
The approach adopted by the survey teams to achieve public participation
in accepting the radon detectors in dwellings is presented and discussed.
Most of the participants in the CRP used the passive method (CR-39
plastic detectors) for long-term radon measurements, while others
used charcoal detectors and E-Perm systems for short-term measurements.
The results of the surveys showed that radon concentration levels
in most of the dwellings were low, whilst in some old cities and
in an area close to a phosphate mine the levels were found to be
relatively high.