The fluctuations of indoor radon measurements from the building materials in a real situation

1994 ◽  
Vol 180 (1) ◽  
pp. 163-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Labrecque
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
Radon Measurements

scholarly journals Radon variability due to floor level in two typical residential buildings in Serbia

Nukleonika ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Udovicic ◽  
Nikola Veselinovic ◽  
Dimitrije Maletic ◽  
Radomir Banjanac ◽  
Aleksandar Dragic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Floor Level ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Radon Variability ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Family House

AbstractIt is well known that one of the factors that influence the indoor radon variability is the floor level of the buildings. Considering the fact that the main source of indoor radon is radon in soil gas, it is expected that the radon concentration decreases at higher floors. Thus at higher floors the dominant source of radon is originating from building materials, and in some cases there may be deviations from the generally established regularity. In such sense, we chose one freestanding single-family house with loft and other 16-floor high-rise residential building for this study. The indoor radon measurements were performed by two methods: passive and active. We used passive devices based on track-etched detectors: Radtrak2 Radonova. For the short-term indoor radon measurements, we used two active devices: SN1029 and SN1030 (manufactured by Sun Nuclear Corporation). The first device was fixed in the living room at the ground level and the second was moved through the floors of the residential building. Every measuring cycle at the specified floor lasted seven days with the sampling time of 2 h. The results show two different indoor radon behaviours regarding radon variability due to floor level. In the single-family house with loft we registered intense difference between radon concentration in the ground level and loft, while in the high-rise residential building the radon level was almost the same at all floors, and hence we may conclude that radon originated mainly from building materials.

The ENEA Facilities for Assessing the Quality of Indoor Radon Measurements

1994 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 303-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sciocchetti ◽  
G. Cotellessa ◽  
P. De Felice ◽  
P.G. Baldassini ◽  
M. Bovi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Measurement Techniques ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Status Report ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Experimental Facilities ◽  
Radon Measurements

Abstract A status report is given of the ENEA research activities on calibration and standardisation of radon measurement techniques. A description of radon standards and experimental facilities (the ENEA Radon Chamber and the 222Rn standard generator) developed at the Casaccia Research Centre is given. The experimental procedures to test the charcoal canister radon adsorption are described. The results of investigation of the response of passive plastic detectors (CR-39) at different exposure conditions at the ENEA radon chamber are discussed: dynamic range and accuracy of passive alpha track detectors in the range from 60 to about 7000 kBq.m-3.h radon exposure. Finally a brief description is given of the experimental facility that is under development to test instruments and methods that are used to measure the emanation/exhalation of radon gas from soils and building materials.

QUANTIFICATION OF BACK DIFFUSION IN RADON AND THORON EXHALATION RATE MEASUREMENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 189 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-189
Author(s):  
N Chitra ◽  
S Bala Sundar ◽  
V Subramanian ◽  
M T Jose ◽  
R Baskaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Coefficient ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Back Diffusion ◽  
Exhalation Rate ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Radon Measurements

Abstract The radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn) fluxes from the soil and building materials are the major contributors to their indoor levels. Hence, the measurement of radon and thoron exhalation rates from the source matrix becomes the foremost step in controlling the indoor radon and thoron exposure. It is a challenge to measure the exhalation rates without disturbing the natural conditions. The back-diffusion phenomenon modifies the exhalation rate. The work presented here is to measure the back-diffusion coefficient and takes it into consideration while estimating the exhalation rate. For radon measurements, the back-diffusion coefficient and the free exhalation rates were simultaneously estimated by adopting a novel methodology. The leak rate of the experimental setup measured by this methodology was agreeable with the value measured by adopting the standard technique. In the case of thoron, the back-diffusion effect was found to be negligible for the present experimental conditions and it is duly explained. The above results were obtained by analyzing two soil samples with high 238U and 232Th content collected from monazite-rich coastal area.

A review of radon measurement studies with nuclear track detectors (NTDs) in Azad Kashmir

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-455
Author(s):  
Abdul Razzaq Khan ◽  
Muhammad Rafique ◽  
Saeed Ur Rahman ◽  
Kimberlee J. Kearfott ◽  
Matiullah
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Nuclear Track Detectors ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Public Exposure ◽  
Azad Kashmir ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Clear Information

Inhalation of radon and its progeny are the most important component of public exposure to natural radiations. Many epidemiological studies have established the fact that radon and radon progeny are associated with increased incidence of lung cancer. Beside health concerns, radon is an important consideration in other fields, e.g. hydrological research, detection of geological fault lines, prediction of earthquake, uranium deposits and oil exploration. The importance of the subject compelled many scientists to develop methods for measurement and mitigation of radon. During last decade many studies for measurement of radon and thoron have been conducted in Azad Kashmir. In most studies, the techniques used involve the usage of solid state nuclear track detectors. Building materials, including granite, marbles, gravel aggregates, bricks, sand and soil have been characterized through radon exhalation rate studies. Several research articles have been published, reporting indoor radon measurements in dwellings and at workplaces. Though these studies have provided preliminary information about radon levels in the area, however, data obtained are still unable to convey clear information to readers. This review paper attempts to organize the radon data to provide a clearer understanding and roadmap for radon measurements in Azad Kashmir.

scholarly journals A new approach to radon temporal correction factor based on active environmental monitoring devices

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Dicu ◽  
B. D. Burghele ◽  
M. Botoş ◽  
A. Cucoș ◽  
G. Dobrei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Smart Device ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Monitoring Devices ◽  
Temporal Correction

AbstractThe present study aims to identify novel means of increasing the accuracy of the estimated annual indoor radon concentration based on the application of temporal correction factors to short-term radon measurements. The necessity of accurate and more reliable temporal correction factors is in high demand, in the present age of speed. In this sense, radon measurements were continuously carried out, using a newly developed smart device accompanied by CR-39 detectors, for one full year, in 71 residential buildings located in 5 Romanian cities. The coefficient of variation for the temporal correction factors calculated for combinations between the start month and the duration of the measurement presented a low value (less than 10%) for measurements longer than 7 months, while a variability close to 20% can be reached by measurements of up to 4 months. Results obtained by generalized estimating equations indicate that average temporal correction factors are positively associated with CO2 ratio, as well as the interaction between this parameter and the month in which the measurement took place. The impact of the indoor-outdoor temperature differences was statistically insignificant. The obtained results could represent a reference point in the elaboration of new strategies for calculating the temporal correction factors and, consequently, the reduction of the uncertainties related to the estimation of the annual indoor radon concentration.

scholarly journals Indoor radon concentration and a diffusion model in dwellings situated in a subalkaline granitoid area, Southern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (17) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Romero-Mujalli ◽  
A. Roisenberg ◽  
A. Cordova-Gonzalez ◽  
P. H. P. Stefano
Keyword(s):  
Diffusion Model ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Environmental Limits ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Cr 39 Detectors

AbstractRadon (Rn), a radioactive element, has especial interest in medical geology because long-term exposure to high concentration is related to lung cancer. In this study, outdoor and indoor radon measurements were conducted in dwellings of the Piquiri Syenite Massif, located in southern Brazil, given the relative high Rn content in soils of this region. Measurements were done using CR-39 detectors and placing them inside and outside dwellings. Moreover, a one-dimensional diffusion model was performed in order to quantify the natural transport of Rn to the air in confined and aerated environments. Results indicate that the region presents relatively low air Rn concentrations, within the environmental limits; however, the health risk might increase in confined and ill-ventilated environments because of transfer from soil and exhalation from ornamental rock-material often found inside dwellings. The main north facies of the syenite, where most of the rock extractions are located, was found to have the highest air Rn concentration because of the higher soil Rn concentration, compared to other facies of the syenite.

scholarly journals Long-Term Impacts of Weather Conditions on Indoor Radon Concentration Measurements in Switzerland

Atmosphere ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Joan Frédéric Rey ◽  
Stéphane Goyette ◽  
Mauro Gandolla ◽  
Martha Palacios ◽  
Fabio Barazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Prone Area ◽  
Building Characteristics ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Radon Measurements

Radon is a natural and radioactive gas that can accumulate in indoor environments. Indoor radon concentration (IRC) is influenced, among other factors, by meteorology, which is the subject of this paper. Weather parameters impact indoor radon levels and have already been investigated, but rarely in Switzerland. Moreover, there is a strong need for a better understanding of the radon behaviour inside buildings in Switzerland for public health concerns as Switzerland is a radon prone area. Based on long-term, continuous, and hourly radon measurements, radon distributions classified according to different weather event definitions were investigated and then compared at three different study sites in Western Switzerland. Outdoor temperature influences the most indoor radon, and it is globally anti-correlated. Wind influences indoor radon, but it strongly depends on intensity, direction, and building characteristics. Precipitation influences periodically indoor radon levels relatively to their intensity. Atmospheric pressure and relative humidity do not seem to be huge determinants on IRC. Our results are in line with previous findings and provide a vivid example in Western Switzerland. This paper underlines the different influence complexities of radon, and the need to communicate about it within the broader public and with construction professionals, to raise awareness.

scholarly journals Radon measurements with CR-39 track detectors at specific locations in Turkey

2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asiye Ulug ◽  
Melek Karabulut ◽  
Nilgün Celebi
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Active Faults ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Arithmetic Means ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
New Buildings ◽  
Main Factor ◽  
Ventilation Conditions ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Indoor radon concentration levels at three sites in Turkey were measured using CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors. The annual mean of radon concentration was estimated on the basis of four quarter measurements at specific locations in Turkey. The measuring sites are on the active faults. The results of radon measurements are based on 280 measurements in doors. The annual arithmetic means of radon concentrations at three sites (Isparta Egirdir, and Yalvac) were found to be 164 Bqm?3, 124 Bqm?3, and 112 Bqm?3 respectively, ranging from 78 Bqm?3 to 279 Bqm?3. The in door radon concentrations were investigated with respect to the ventilation conditions and the age of buildings. The ventilation conditions were determined to be the main factor affecting the in door radon concentrations. The in door radon concentrations in the new buildings were higher than ones found in the old buildings.

scholarly journals Radon monitoring in a historical building in Košice city, Slovakia – a case study

2021 ◽  
Vol 900 (1) ◽  
pp. 012040
Author(s):  
E Singovszká ◽  
A Eštoková ◽  
M Vertaľ
Keyword(s):  
Human Exposure ◽  
Continuous Monitoring ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Research Topic ◽  
Relevant Research ◽  
Historical Building ◽  
Limit Value ◽  
Radon Monitoring

Abstract It is known that the highest contribution to the yearly radiation dose for the population derives from natural radioactivity. About 50% of that is estimated to be caused by exposure to radon (Rn) and its products. Human exposure to indoor Rn is currently considered a relevant research topic, because of the associated epidemiological aspects. This paper aimed at Rn concentration measurement in a selected building in Košice city, Slovakia. The continuous monitoring of indoor radon levels was performed over a period of 40 days. The measured concentrations ranged in a wide interval up to 92 Bq/m3. The WHO limit value of 100 Bq/m3 wasn´t exceeded. Analysing the possible sources, both contributions of radon from the building materials and radon from the soil was observed.

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