Upgrade of a Highly Sensitive Monitor for Atmospheric Radon Measurement

Atmospheric radon is an ideal tracer that is widely used in atmospheric science. To meet the need fora continuous online measurement of atmospheric radon concentration, an upgraded radon monitor based on an electrostatic collection method was developed following Iida’s measurement system. Two major improvements have been realized. First, an 18 mm × 18 mm Si-PIN detector and a multi-channel analysis system were used to distinguish different alpha particles. Second, the P2O5 desiccant was replaced by a new membrane drying system, and the influence of humidity was corrected by a humidity correction coefficient. Calibration and comparison experiments were carried out in detail, and a one-year continuous measurement was also performed. Results showed that the measurement sensitivity was evaluated to be 24.3 cph/(Bq·m−3), and the lower level detection limit was 0.2 Bq·m−3 for a 1-h cycle at the absolute humidity of 0.34 g·m−3. The annual average radon concentration of Beijing was 11.1 ± 4.0 Bq·m−3, which changed from 2.8 Bq·m−3 to 30.3 Bq·m−3 between 15 October 2018 and 1 October 2019. The upgraded monitor’s high data acquisition rate and good performance indicate that it is suitable for long-term observation on atmospheric radon.

The Application of Radon Measurement In the Active Fault Detection of Xiadian Fault

The Xiadian active fault is one of the most important seismological faults in the vicinity of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This paper mainly focuses on the geochemical characteristics of the fault to unveil and evaluate its activity. Via the application of soil gaseous radon measurement, a detailed field study at Qixinzhuang segment of Xiadian fault is proposed. Based on all the radon impulse value we acquired of 3 profiles in the study area. We plotted the radon impulse trend chart of 3 profiles, analyzed anomaly distribution of soil gaseous radon and discussed the scale and activity of the Xiadian fault. The radon multiple-peaks anomaly of Qixinzhaung segemnt demonstrates the hidden faults underground exist.

Study of Indoor Radon Using Data Mining Models Based on OLAP Cubes

This research has focused on a radon measurement campaign that was carried out in two dwellings in a residential building located in Madrid. A new methodology has been used in this field, such as the use of cubes based on On-Line Analytical Processing in SQL Server Analysis Services. The application of this methodology can be of particular interest in analysing thousands of radon measurements and complementary variables, which are easily obtained in any radon measurement campaign.

A geogenic approach for the Radon monitoring and the exposure assessment at a regional scale: The results of the Rad_Campania project

The aim of this paper is to analyse and discuss the results of the regional program Rad Campania for the monitoring and the assessment of the radon risk. An innovative methodology, based on a geogenic approach, was developed, supported by a comprehensive campaign of radon measurement performed in soil gas, natural waters, drinking natural water samples and indoor air. Data refer to field measurements carried out in three provinces of the Campania Region (Italy): Salerno, Avellino and Benevento. The programme was completed with the main purpose to investigate the peculiarities of the radon issue at a provincial scale and to redact a map of the radon potential from soil as a tool for authorities to recognise critical areas (“Radon prone areas”) to monitor. Since the experience demonstrates that the high radon potential from soil is not indicative of high indoor radon concentrations, in this paper the authors have tried to identify a possible general correlation between geological features of the soil and structural characteristics of the buildings, elaborating more in depth all data collected. The main purpose is to categorize and analyse the performance of different kind of construction, typical of the local area, in order to develop, in a future work, an indicator of the building performances as a useful tool, for authorities, to recognise constructions potentially more exposed to high indoor radon activity concentrations. Results and perspectives have been discussed.

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

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.