A CASE STUDY ON THE USE OF SEASONAL CORRECTION FACTORS FOR INDOOR RADON MEASUREMENTS

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-431
Author(s):  
E Algin ◽  
C Asici ◽  
H Sogukpinar ◽  
N Akkurt
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Small Region ◽  
Cyclic Behavior ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Concentration Data ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Abstract Radon concentration measurements were performed in the city Eskişehir, Turkey in order to quantify seasonal variation. Using the assumption that indoor radon concentrations exhibit annual cyclic behavior, Pinel’s methodology was employed to obtain seasonal correction factors (SCFs). A total of 142 dwellings had radon concentration data for each season that enabled to obtain annual average radon concentrations. Estimated SCFs were applied to each of the 142 dwellings to assess the validity of the factors. The results demonstrate that even in a very small region significant variation in radon concentrations of different dwellings can be observed, and that a good care should be taken in applying SCFs to a short-term radon measurement to obtain average annual radon concentration.

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 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 SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOLS: IMPLICATIONS ON RADON MEASUREMENT PROTOCOLS

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137
Author(s):  
Z Curguz ◽  
G Venoso ◽  
Z S Zunic ◽  
D Mirjanic ◽  
M Ampollini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Ground Floor ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Radon Measurements

Abstract The requirements about radon measurements in schools and public buildings included in most of the national and international legislations are generally restricted to all the rooms located at the ground floor and basement, assuming the soil beneath the building as the main source of indoor radon. In order to verify such an assumption for small buildings having at maximum two floors, a preliminary study was performed in 50 schools located in 15 municipalities of the Republic of Srpska. Results of this study suggest that a protocol requiring measurements at the ground floor only may be considered adequate. Due to the high radon spatial variability for rooms at the ground floor, it is preferable to require measurements in a high number of rooms (preferably in all of them) in order to assess the compliance with the reference level established by the legislation.

INDOOR RADON MEASUREMENTS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEST COAST PENINSULA

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-149
Author(s):  
Rikus le Roux ◽  
Jacques Bezuidenhout ◽  
Hennie Smit
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
West Coast ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Recent Article ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
The West ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Abstract Granite commonly contains high concentrations of uranium, with consequent high exhalation of radon. The geology of the West Coast peninsula of South Africa is dominated by granite, and a recent article predicted potentially high indoor radon concentrations in this region’s two largest towns, Vredenburg and Saldanha. This research aimed to measure indoor radon levels in these towns. Measurements were first done for a minimum of 3 d during warmer months, with houses typically being more ventilated. Thirty-four homes in Vredenburg and 27 in Saldanha were measured, and the average indoor radon determined to be 40 and 58 Bq m−3, respectively. The measurements were then repeated during the colder months, and an increase in average radon concentration of 173 Bq m−3 for Saldanha and 153 Bq m−3 for Vredenburg was found. The granite geology and lifestyle of occupants during the colder months seem to contribute towards elevated levels of indoor radon concentrations.

scholarly journals Estimation of Seasonal Correction Factors for Indoor Radon Concentrations in Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Park ◽  
Cheol Lee ◽  
Hyun Lee ◽  
Dae Kang
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Seasonal Adjustment ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Housing Type ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Adjustment Factors ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Long-term exposure to high radon concentration exerts pathological effects and elicits changes in respiratory function, increasing an individual’s risk of developing lung cancer. In health risk assessment of indoor radon, consideration of long-term exposure thereto is necessary to identify a relationship between indoor radon exposure and lung cancer. However, measuring long-term indoor radon concentration can be difficult, and a statistical model for predicting mean annual indoor radon concentrations may be readily applicable. We investigated the predictability of mean annual radon concentrations using national data on indoor radon concentrations throughout the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons in Korea. Indoor radon concentrations in Korea were highest in the winter and lowest in the summer. We derived seasonal correction and seasonal adjustment factors for each season based on the method proposed by previous study. However, these factors may not be readily applicable unless measured in a specific season. In this paper, we separate seasonal correction factors for each month of the year (new correction factors) based on correlations between indoor radon and meteorological factors according to housing type. To evaluate the correction factors, we assessed differences between estimated and measured mean annual radon concentrations. Roughly 97% of the estimated values were within ±40 Bq/m3 of actual measured values in detached houses, and roughly 85–87% of the estimated values were within ±40 Bq/m3 of the measured values in other residences. In most cases, the seasonal correction factors and the new correction factors had slightly better agreement than the seasonal adjustment factor. For predicting mean annual radon concentrations, the seasonal correction factors or seasonal adjustment factors can be of use when actual measurements of indoor radon concentrations for a specific season are available. Otherwise, the new correction factors may be more readily applicable.

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 Measurements of Radon-222 and its Daughters Concentrations in Buildings of Department Physics in College of Sciences of Baghdad University

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 605-611
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Radon Level ◽  
Nuclear Track Detectors ◽  
Radioactive Sources ◽  
Radon Concentrations

The present work aims to investigate approaches, measures and detection of indoor radon level in buildings of the department of physics in college of science of Baghdad University. CR-39 solid state nuclear track detectors were used to measure the radon concentrations inside the rooms, including five laboratories and five workplace rooms in ground and first storey of the department. The average radon concentration at first storey was found to be 43.1±13.2 Bq/m3 and 40.1±13.4 Bq/m3 at the ground storey. The highest level of radon concentration at the first storey in the radioactive sources store was 87.5±29 Bq/m3 while at the ground storey in room(2) was 70.2±24 Bq/m3 which is due to the existence radioactive sources in some selected places at the buildings.

The Alpha Particle Doses Received by Students and Staff in Twenty Schools in the North of Hebron Region - Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-316
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Annual Effective Dose ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Alpha Particles ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
The North ◽  
Cr 39 Detectors ◽  
Average Effective Dose ◽  
Radon Concentrations

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to measure indoor radon concentration levels and its resulting doses received by the students and staff in schools of the directorate of education in the north of Hebron region- Palestine, during the summer months from June to September (2018), using CR-39 detectors. In this study, a total of 567 CR-39-based radon detectors were installed in the selected schools. The average radon concentrations were found to be 90.0, 66.5 and 58.0 Bqm-3 in Halhul, Beit Umar and Alarrub camp schools, respectively. Based on the measured indoor radon data, the overall average effective dose for the studied area was found to be 0.31 mSvy-1. Reported values for radon concentrations and corresponding doses are lower than ICRP recommended limits for workplaces. The results show no significant radiological risk for the pupils and staff in the schools under investigation. Consequently, the health hazards related to radiation are expected to be negligible. Keywords: Radon concentration, Alpha particles, Annual effective dose, Schools. PACs: 29.40.−n.

False Positive and False Negative Radon Measurement Results Due to Uncertainties in Seasonal Correction Factors

1994 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 291-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.D. Cliff ◽  
J.C.H. Miles ◽  
S.P. Naismith
Keyword(s):  
False Positive ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Geometric Standard Deviation ◽  
Correction Factors ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Initial Survey ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Radon Measurements

Abstract Data from the UK national survey of radon in 2300 homes has been re-analysed to determine the uncertainty in seasonal correction factors applied to measurements of less than l year. The required correction factor for each six-month result was calculated from the known annual average for the appropriate home. The seasonal correction factors derived for each month were found to be approximately log-normally distributed, with an average geometric standard deviation of 1.36. Following this initial survey, radon measurements have been made in more than 80,000 homes in southwest England to determine whether they are above the UK radon Action level of 200 Bq.m-3. The measurements were carried out over three months in each case using etched track detectors in two locations in each home, and the results were corrected for the average seasonal variation found in the original UK study of radon in homes. Because of the uncertainty in the seasonal correction factors, households with between 130 and 300 Bq.m-3 were advised to have a second three-month measurement in a different season before deciding whether or not to take remedial action. More than 7000 homes were remonitored for this purpose. The results are analysed to show the number of false positive and false negative results that would have been reported if advice had been based solely on the initial measurement. It is shown that the present scheme results in extremely small numbers of false positive and false negative results.

VARIATIONS OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATION IN TRADITIONAL RUSSIAN RURAL WOODEN HOUSES

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-222
Author(s):  
Tatiana Petrova ◽  
Petr Miklyaev
Keyword(s):  
Radon Concentration ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Radon Exhalation Rate ◽  
Exhalation Rate ◽  
Indoor Radon Concentration ◽  
Radon Exhalation ◽  
Soil Gas Radon ◽  
Radon Measurements ◽  
Indoor And Outdoor

Abstract Continuous indoor radon measurements were carried out in two traditional Russian rural houses located in different villages of the Moscow region in summer of 2017 and 2018. In additional, in the summer of 2017, continuous measurements of soil gas radon activity concentration at depth 0.8 m and radon exhalation rate from the ground surface near the house were performed simultaneously. It was found that the indoor radon concentration in rural houses is subject to strong daily variations, which are characterized by highs at night and lows during the day. Indoor radon concentration is directly proportional to indoor and outdoor temperature difference and inversely proportional to wind speed. While the radon exhalation rate from the ground surface, as well as the ventilation of premises (opening doors and windows) practically do not affect the concentration of radon in Russian rural wooden houses.

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