scholarly journals Results of the 2015 national indoor radon intercomparison measurements in Serbia

Nukleonika ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-325
Author(s):  
Sofija Forkapić ◽  
Kristina Bikit ◽  
Vesna Arsić ◽  
Jovana Ilić ◽  
Gordana Pantelić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Detection Efficiency ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
Radon Daughters ◽  
Accredited Laboratories ◽  
Novi Sad ◽  
Dose Measurements

Abstract Results and conclusions of interlaboratory comparison of indoor radon in 2015 in Serbia are presented. The participants were three accredited laboratories from Serbia: Serbian Institute of Occupational Health “Dr Dragomir Karajović”, Laboratory for Radioactivity and Dose Measurements at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad and Radiation and Environmental Protection Department, Vinča Institute of Nuclear Science. The laboratories make use of the same method for radon measurement, using charcoal canisters according to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol 520/5-87-005. Calibration of detection efficiency was performed using EPA radium standard. Radon activity concentrations were determined on the basis of the intensity of short-living radon daughters, 214Bi and 214Pb, gamma lines. The results of intercomparison were evaluated by using the u-test, which was calculated according to the International Atomic Energy Agency criteria. In this paper, not only limitations but also the advantages and possibilities of application of this method for measuring levels of human exposure to radon are discussed.

Radon exhalation across the Periadriatic Lineament in the Pustertal/Pusteria Valley (Bolzano, North-Eastern Italy)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleonora Benà ◽  
Giancarlo Ciotoli ◽  
Chiara Coletti ◽  
Antonio Galgaro ◽  
Matteo Massironi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Indoor Radon ◽  
Fault System ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Tectonic Structures ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Radon Exhalation

<p>In the early 90’s, the Environmental Protection Agency of the Bolzano Province (NE Italy) performed a study on Indoor Radon in all the municipalities of the district (Minach et al., 1999). The aim of these measurements was to identify the areas characterized by high Indoor Radon (<em>IR</em>) values to realize an Indoor Radon map. Most of the municipalities that resulted to have average <em>IR</em> values above 400 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>, thus classified at high risk according to 90/143/EURATOM, are aligned along the Pustertal/Pusteria Valley. In this work, the relation between Radon activity, and the concentrations of other gases in the soil, and geological factors (e.g. lithology, tectonic structures) is investigated along two profiles across the Periadriatic Lineament in the Pustertal/Pusteria Valley. Samples of the petro-volumetrically relevant lithologies of the studied area have been collected, their chemical composition (XRF) and their radionuclides content (high resolution gamma-rays spectrometry) determined. The lithologies include granitoid rocks, orthogneisses, micaschists and phyllites, some of which are characterized by a high activity concentration of natural terrestrial radionuclides. As a consequence, their presence in the study area may potentially increase Radon emission (EC-JRC, 2019). Radon, CO<sub>2</sub>, CH<sub>4</sub>, O<sub>2</sub>, H<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>S have been measured in soil gas along the two profiles to investigate the effect of the Periadriatic Lineament (<em>PL</em>) on Radon exhalation. The profiles are located near Mühlen/Molini (P1) and Pfalzen/Falzen (P2), respectively. Preliminary results show two evident Radon peaks of 112 kBq/m<sup>3</sup> and118 kBq/m<sup>3</sup> along P1, and of 148 kBq/m<sup>3</sup> and 157 kBq/m<sup>3</sup> along P2. The background values are below 50 kBq/m<sup>3</sup>. These peaks correspond to two main cataclastic zones of the Periadriatic Fault system mostly buried under quaternary loosen sediments. Thus, cataclastic zones represent preferential paths for Radon mobility and exhalation. The comparison of the <em>IR</em> distribution map, the geochemical composition of the main lithologies and the results from the <em>in-situ</em> measures, clearly indicate that, although outcropping lithologies represent an important factor contributing to the <em>IR</em> values, they cannot justify such high <em>IR</em> values measured in the buildings alone. Instead, the structural features of the Periadriatic Fault system play a key role in enhancing radon exhalation, exposing to potential radon risk specific areas within the territories of the municipalities located in the Pustertal/Pusteria Valley.</p><p>Keywords: Eastern Alps, Periadriatic Lineament, Radon, Indoor Radon, Natural Radioactivity</p><p>References:</p><p>Minach L., Verdi L., Marchesoni C., Amadori C. Radon in Sϋdtirol. Environmental Protection Agency. 1999.</p><p>Cinelli G., De Cort M. & Tollefsen, T. European Commission, Joint Research Centre. European Atlas of Natural Radiation. 2019. (Eds.), Publication Office of the European Union, ISBN 978-92-76-08259-0, doi:10.2760/520053. </p><p> </p>

United States Environmental Protection Agency National Radon Proficiency Programmes

1994 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 275-280
Author(s):  
P.P. Jalbert ◽  
G.L. Salmon ◽  
S. De Scisciolo (INVITED)
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Radon Measurement ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Us

Abstract The US Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary National Radon Proficiency Programmes: Radon Measurement, and Reduction Proficiency are described, including their history and development, current status and future directions. The Radon Measurement Proficiency (RMP) and Radon Contractor Proficiency (RCP) programmes are fundamental to the Agency's programme to reduce the health risk associated with exposure to elevated radon levels in indoor air. Originally developed to provide technical assistance to States, the proficiency programmes now offer US consumers assurance of the quality of their radon measurements and reduction jobs. In other words, the proficiency programmes provide a means to consumers for deciding from which organisations or individuals to purchase radon services. This is especially important in the United States where most radon services are acquired through private enterprises rather than through the public sector. The Agency encourages the public to purchase radon measurement and reduction services only from organisations or individuals that have met the requirements of EPA's proficiency programmes. An increasing number of States require an EPA proficiency listing for their radon registration, licensing, and certification programmes. EPA estimates that about 85% of US companies offering radon services are participating in its proficiency programmes. Consequently, the Agency believes that the development and growth of quality radon services has kept pace with consumer demand. The United States markeplace for residential radon measurement and mitigation services has been dynamic since its inception in the mid-1980s. The fluidity of the market is likely to continue, with some significant changes appearing imminent. The US Congress is now considering legislation that would require participation in the Agency's radon proficiency programmes. In addition, this legislation contains provisions that would encourage consumer testing. Increased testing, coupled with a mandatory national proficiency programme, is likely to result in an increase in the quality of radon services available to the US public.

Regulatory experience in applying a radiological environmental protection framework for existing and planned nuclear facilities

2012 ◽  
Vol 41 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 256-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mihok ◽  
P. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Nuclear Regulatory Commission ◽  
Nuclear Safety ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Dose Assessment ◽  
Radiological Protection ◽  
Nuclear Facilities ◽  
Legal Requirements ◽  
Energy Agency

Frameworks and methods for the radiological protection of non-human biota have been evolving rapidly at the International Commission on Radiological Protection and through various European initiatives. The International Atomic Energy Agency has incorporated a requirement for environmental protection in the latest revision of its Basic Safety Standards. In Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been legally obligated to prevent unreasonable risk to the environment since 2000. Licensees have therefore been meeting generic legal requirements to demonstrate adequate control of releases of radioactive substances for the protection of both people and biota for many years. In the USA, in addition to the generic requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy facilities have also had to comply with specific dose limits after a standard assessment methodology was finalised in 2002. Canadian regulators developed a similar framework for biota dose assessment through a regulatory assessment under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act in the late 1990s. Since then, this framework has been applied extensively to satisfy legal requirements under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. After approximately a decade of experience in applying these methods, it is clear that simple methods are fit for purpose, and can be used for making regulatory decisions for existing and planned nuclear facilities.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Technology Transfer Activities of the United States Environmental Protection Agency

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 685-698
Author(s):  
J. J. Convery ◽  
J. F. Kreissl ◽  
A. D. Venosa ◽  
J. H. Bender ◽  
D. J. Lussier
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
The United States ◽  
Environmental Research ◽  
Outreach Program ◽  
Small Community ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Transfer Programs

Technology transfer is an important activity within the ll.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Specific technology transfer programs such as the activities of the Center for Environmental Research Information, the Innovative and Alternative Technology Program, as well as the Small Community Outreach Program are used to encourage the utilization of cost-effective municipal pollution control technology. Case studies of three technologies including a plant operations diagnostic/remediation methodology, alternative sewer technologies and ultraviolet disinfection are presented. These case studies are presented retrospectively in the context of a generalized concept of how technology flows from science to utilization which was developed in a study by Allen (1977). Additional insights from this study are presented on the information gathering characteristics of engineers and scientists which may be useful in designing technology transfer programs. The recognition of the need for a technology or a deficiency in current practice are important stimuli other than technology transfer for accelerating the utilization of new technology.

The Hornsby Bend Hyacinth Facility in Austin, Texas

1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 41-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Dinges ◽  
Jim Doersam
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Animal Species ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Fish Production ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
Functional Characteristics ◽  
The City

The Hornsby Bend Hyacinth Facility, the first such system built under the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency “Construction Grants Program”, represents the culmination of over a decade of experience at the City of Austin with hyacinth treatment. The facility consists of three culture basins 265 m in length with an area of 1.6 ha. To permit year-round hyacinth culture, basins are covered with a 2.06 ha unitary greenhouse structure. Fenced exclusion areas at intervals along sides of basins serve as natural aerators and enhance fish production. The system, operated in an aerobic mode, was designed to daily treat about three million liters of sludge lagoon supernatant. Exclusion of large vertebrate predators and stocking of basins with selected animal species will provide a unique ecosystem. Basins were planted with hyacinth in late October, 1985 and discharge commenced on February 3, 1986. Functional characteristics and ecological considerations of the facility are discussed and operational performance data are presented. Maintenance harvesting of hyacinth and disposition of plant material are described. Application of greenhoused hyacinth treatment systems are addressed.

scholarly journals A Study on Liquid Leak Rates in Packing Seals

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1936
Author(s):  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Liquid Flow ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Gas Flow ◽  
Outer Boundary ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Packing Materials ◽  
Thickness Change ◽  
Flow Through

The accurate prediction of liquid leak rates in packing seals is an important step in the design of stuffing boxes, in order to comply with environmental protection laws and health and safety regulations regarding the release of toxic substances or fugitive emissions, such as those implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Technische Anleitung zur Reinhaltung der Luft (TA Luft). Most recent studies conducted on seals have concentrated on the prediction of gas flow, with little to no effort put toward predicting liquid flow. As a result, there is a need to simulate liquid flow through sealing materials in order to predict leakage into the outer boundary. Modelling of liquid flow through porous packing materials was addressed in this work. Characterization of their porous structure was determined to be a key parameter in the prediction of liquid flow through packing materials; the relationship between gland stress and leak rate was also acknowledged. The proposed methodology started by conducting experimental leak measurements with helium gas to characterize the number and size of capillaries. Liquid leak tests with water and kerosene were then conducted in order to validate the predictions. This study showed that liquid leak rates in packed stuffing boxes could be predicted with reasonable accuracy for low gland stresses. It was found that internal pressure and compression stress had an effect on leakage, as did the thickness change and the type of fluid. The measured leak rates were in the range of 0.062 to 5.7 mg/s for gases and 0.0013 and 5.5 mg/s for liquids.

scholarly journals Association of temporary Environmental Protection Agency regulation suspension with industrial economic viability and local air quality in California, United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Chang ◽  
Kenneth Zhang ◽  
Margaret Paczkowski ◽  
Sara Kohler ◽  
Marco Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Treatment Control ◽  
Oil Refineries ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background This study seeks to answer two questions about the impacts of the 2020 Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement regulation rollbacks: is this suspension bolstering the economic viability of industries as oil and manufacturing executives claim they will and are these regulations upholding the agency’s mission of protecting the environment? Results To answer the former question, we utilized 6 months of state employment level data from California, United States, as a method of gauging the economic health of agency-regulated industries. We implemented a machine learning model to predict weekly employment data and a t-test to indicate any significant changes in employment. We found that, following California's state-issued stay-at-home order and the agency’s regulation suspension, oil and certain manufacturing industries had statistically significant lower employment values. To answer the latter question, we used 10 years of PM2.5 levels in California, United States, as a metric for local air quality and treatment–control county pairs to isolate the impact of regulation rollbacks from the impacts of the state lockdown. Using the agency’s data, we performed a t-test to determine whether treatment–control county pairs experienced a significant change in PM2.5 levels. Even with the statewide lockdown—a measure we hypothesized would correlate with decreased mobility and pollution levels—in place, counties with oil refineries experienced the same air pollution levels when compared to historical data averaged from the years 2009 to 2019. Conclusions In contrast to the expectation that the suspension would improve the financial health of the oil and manufacturing industry, we can conclude that these industries are not witnessing economic growth with the suspension and state shutdown in place. Additionally, counties with oil refineries could be taking advantage of these rollbacks to continue emitting the same amount of PM2.5, in spite of state lockdowns. For these reasons, we ask international policymakers to reconsider the suspension of enforcement regulations as these actions do not fulfill their initial expectations. We recommend the creation and maintenance of pollution control and prevention programs that develop emission baselines, mandate the construction of pollution databases, and update records of pollution emissions.

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