scholarly journals Methods of radon measurement

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Forkapic ◽  
I. Bikit ◽  
Lj Conkic ◽  
M. Veskovic ◽  
J. Slivka ◽  
...  

Several important international scientific organizations have designated radon as a carcinogenic and serious health problem. As a chemically inert gas, it is easily released from soil, building materials, and water, to emanate to the atmosphere. Since 1992, Laboratory for Nuclear Physics of the Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences in Novi Sad has been involved in measurements of radon concentration in air, using several different techniques. Last year, systematic radon measurements in drinking waters began, too. The work presented here gives a survey and discussion of the results of the both series of measurements.

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-137
Author(s):  
Z Curguz ◽  
G Venoso ◽  
Z S Zunic ◽  
D Mirjanic ◽  
M Ampollini ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1319-1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matiullah ◽  
Wazir Muhammad

Radon is known to be a major source of public radiation exposure which could lead to increased incidence of lung cancer. Besides its health hazards, it also has potential geological, industrial and nuclear applications. In this context, radon measurements studies have been extensively conducted and reported all over the world. Keeping in view the importance of radon measurement levels, different research groups in Pakistan have also carried out and reported numerous studies since last several decades. However, these studies were scattered which were compiled and reported in 2008. Since then, considerable data have been reported for different cities/areas of Pakistan. The main objectives of the present article are to overview and compile these studies that will serve as baseline data for the radon levels in Pakistan.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mounir AÏT-ZIANE ◽  
Malika ALLAB ◽  
Zohra LOUNS-MOKRANI

In order to establish the national radon level according to the ICRP recommendations, radon levels should be estimated in different living environments (dwellings, workplaces, hospitals, etc.). A particular attention should be given to the correctness of the radon concentration measurement devices in order to maintain their traceability to primary standard laboratory. Radon monitor systems have thus been calibrated using a NIST standard source which is considered as an important step in standardizing radon measurement methods.In this paper, we describe the system used in our laboratory for the verification against radon response of different radon monitors such as Electret Ion Chamber (EIC) and AlphaGUARD continuous radon monitor (AG), and then we present comparison between these two measurements devices used in some locations at the Centre de Recherche Nucléaire d’Alger (CRNA). As results, EIC system produces results comparable to those produces by the AG system. 


1994 ◽  
Vol 56 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 303-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Sciocchetti ◽  
G. Cotellessa ◽  
P. De Felice ◽  
P.G. Baldassini ◽  
M. Bovi ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-455
Author(s):  
Abdul Razzaq Khan ◽  
Muhammad Rafique ◽  
Saeed Ur Rahman ◽  
Kimberlee J. Kearfott ◽  
Matiullah

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-431
Author(s):  
E Algin ◽  
C Asici ◽  
H Sogukpinar ◽  
N Akkurt

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Dicu ◽  
B. D. Burghele ◽  
M. Botoş ◽  
A. Cucoș ◽  
G. Dobrei ◽  
...  

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.


Atmosphere ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Joan Frédéric Rey ◽  
Stéphane Goyette ◽  
Mauro Gandolla ◽  
Martha Palacios ◽  
Fabio Barazza ◽  
...  

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.


2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asiye Ulug ◽  
Melek Karabulut ◽  
Nilgün Celebi

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.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 6835-6866 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Griffiths ◽  
S. D. Parkes ◽  
S. D. Chambers ◽  
M. F. McCabe ◽  
A. G. Williams

Abstract. Surface-based radon (222Rn) measurements can be combined with lidar backscatter to obtain a higher quality time series of mixing height within the Planetary Boundary-Layer (PBL) than is possible from lidar alone, and a more quantitative measure of mixing height than is possible from only radon. The lidar measurements benefit because even when aerosol layers are detected, reliably attributing the mixing height to the correct layer presents a challenge. By combining lidar with a mixing length scale derived from a time series of radon concentration, automated and robust attribution is possible during the morning transition. Radon measurements also provide mixing information during the night and with the addition of lidar these measurements become insensitive to night-to-night changes in radon emissions. After calibration with lidar, the radon-derived equivalent mixing height agrees with other measures of mixing on daily and hourly time scales and is a potential method for studying intermittent mixing in nocturnal boundary layers.


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