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3 pages, 174 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial for the Special Issue “Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management”

by Cucoş (Dinu) Alexandra

Atmosphere 2022, 13(7), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13071020 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

The Special Issue of the open-access journal Atmosphere addresses the issue of “Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management”, based on the global need for better management of radon and indoor air pollutants inside buildings, based on reliable research experience [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

Research

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15 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recent Progress in Radon Metrology at IFIN-HH, Romania

by Aurelian Luca, Ileana Rădulescu, Mihail-Răzvan Ioan, Viorel Fugaru, Constantin Teodorescu, Cătălina Barna, Cătălin Stelian Tuță, Cornel Liviu Tugulan, Andrei Antohe, Ioana Lalău, Cătălina Cîmpeanu and Cristian Postolache

Atmosphere 2022, 13(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13030363 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3164

Abstract

The practical implementation of the European Council Directive no. 2013/59/EURATOM in Romania requires reliable indoor measurements of the radon (²²²Rn) activity concentration in air. In Romania, several Testing Laboratories were designated for radon activity and/or radon activity concentration in air measurements [...] Read more.

The practical implementation of the European Council Directive no. 2013/59/EURATOM in Romania requires reliable indoor measurements of the radon (²²²Rn) activity concentration in air. In Romania, several Testing Laboratories were designated for radon activity and/or radon activity concentration in air measurements by the Romanian National Commission for Nuclear Activities Control (CNCAN). The calibration of the instruments used for indoor radon activity concentration measurements is very important. IFIN-HH, through its Ionizing Radiation Metrology Laboratory (LMRI), performed advanced research in the field of radon metrology, using radon standard sources prepared by LMRI, its radon chamber facility and a new reference radon monitor. The most recent results are described in this article. The radon chamber facility from IFIN-HH was technically improved, and new equipment and methods were set up and tested in order to provide new calibration services for customers. Additionally, calibration of the radon monitors was performed, as well as of the systems with solid-state nuclear track detectors, used for radon in air activity concentration measurements. IFIN-HH/LMRI obtained the CNCAN designation as Calibration Laboratory for installations measuring the radon activity concentration in air. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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19 pages, 42614 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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

by Joan Frédéric Rey, Stéphane Goyette, Mauro Gandolla, Martha Palacios, Fabio Barazza and Joëlle Goyette Pernot

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010092 - 7 Jan 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4525

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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10 pages, 1294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Steps towards a National Approach for Radon Survey in Romanian Schools

by Nicoleta Bican-Brișan, Gabriel-Cristian Dobrei, Bety-Denissa Burghele and Alexandra-Laura Cucoș (Dinu)

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010059 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1899

Abstract

Schools are a category of public buildings with a high radon exposure risk, due to their high occupancy factor. In Romania, the elaboration of a methodology for radon measurements in schools is a necessity imposed both by the European legislation and by the [...] Read more.

Schools are a category of public buildings with a high radon exposure risk, due to their high occupancy factor. In Romania, the elaboration of a methodology for radon measurements in schools is a necessity imposed both by the European legislation and by the relatively high percentage (about 10%) of the mapped territory with a potential increased risk of exposure to the action of ionizing radiation emitted by radon. In order to optimize the design of a national survey aimed to evaluate radon exposure of children in Romanian schools, we conducted a pilot study in two schools in Cluj-Napoca, following the screening measurements carried out in 109 schools and kindergartens from five counties. The specific steps that must be followed were described, taking into account the international protocols and particularities of Romanian territory. The proposed approach could act as a guide for other large buildings and is implicit for the implementation of National Radon Action Plan, approved by HG no. 526/12 July 2018 in accordance with Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM. The obtained results indicate that a high probability of annual radon concentration above the national reference level is to be expected in schools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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10 pages, 1949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Preliminary Study of Radon Equilibrium Factor at a Tourist Cave in Okinawa, Japan

by Ryohei Yamada, Yuki Tamakuma, Takahito Suzuki, Shunya Nakasone, Yoshitaka Shiroma, Masahide Furukawa, Hiroki Hashimoto, Masahiro Hosoda, Naofumi Akata and Shinji Tokonami

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1648; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121648 - 9 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3206

Abstract

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) issued its Publication 137, Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides: Part 3 in which the radon equilibrium factor is fixed as 0.4 for tourist caves; however, several studies have reported a different value for the factor and its [...] Read more.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) issued its Publication 137, Occupational Intakes of Radionuclides: Part 3 in which the radon equilibrium factor is fixed as 0.4 for tourist caves; however, several studies have reported a different value for the factor and its seasonal variation has also been observed. In this study, the radon concentration, equilibrium equivalent radon concentration and meteorological data were measured, and the equilibrium factor was evaluated in a tourist cave, Gyokusen-do Cave located in the southern part of Okinawa Island in southwestern Japan. Radon concentrations were measured with an AlphaGUARD and their corresponding meteorological data were measured with integrated sensors. Equilibrium equivalent radon concentration was measured with a continuous air monitor. The measured radon concentrations tended to be low in winter and high in summer, which is similar to previously obtained results. By contrast, the equilibrium factor tended to be high in winter (0.55 ± 0.09) and low in summer (0.24 ± 0.15), with a particularly large fluctuation in summer. It was concluded that measurements in different seasons are necessary for proper evaluation of radon equilibrium factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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20 pages, 2337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships among Indoor Radon, Earthquake Magnitude Data and Lung Cancer Risks in a Residential Building of an Apulian Town (Southern Italy)

by Luigi Vimercati, Domenica Cavone, Maria Celeste Delfino, Luigi De Maria, Antonio Caputi, Stefania Sponselli, Vincenzo Corrado, Vito Bruno, Gianfranco Spalluto, Giorgia Eranio and Giovanni Maria Ferri

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1342; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101342 - 14 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3907

Abstract

(1) Background: The association of radon-222 with lung cancer is well studied. The aim of the study was to validate a model of indoor radon measurements, to apply radon software to estimate lung cancer cases that are attributable to radon and to [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The association of radon-222 with lung cancer is well studied. The aim of the study was to validate a model of indoor radon measurements, to apply radon software to estimate lung cancer cases that are attributable to radon and to study the relationship between radon and earthquakes. (2) Methods: Different data detectors were used to obtain radon measurements in different places. Continuous data collection and predictions of indoor radon concentrations were carried out. Software was used to assess radon-attributable lung cancer cases, and data related to earthquake magnitudes were downloaded from Italian Vulcanology Institute. (3) Results: As expected, the highest radon concentrations were observed on the ground floor (232 ± 232 Bq/m³), with higher values measured during winter than in other seasons. The comparison of the detectors showed the overlapping of the two detectors-measured data sets. The cases of lung cancer that were attributable to radon in Locorotondo were studied (3.66/10,000). From the multivariate analysis of the relationship between high radon concentrations and high earthquake magnitude values, they show statistically significant ORs of just over 1. (4) Conclusions: Although the measured values are, on average, within the reference level, prevention measures must be implemented, as the measured radon values allow us to estimate an expected value of 3.66 cases of lung cancer per 10,000 people in the resident population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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13 pages, 3614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Control of the Health Risk of Radon Exposure in the Republic of Moldova

by Liuba Coretchi, Antoaneta Ene and Aurelia Ababii

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101302 - 7 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3439

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a national radon survey conducted in the context of the Republic of Moldova. The study included about 2500 homes of different types, located in urban and rural localities in different areas of the country. The RADTRAK2 detectors [...] Read more.

The paper presents the results of a national radon survey conducted in the context of the Republic of Moldova. The study included about 2500 homes of different types, located in urban and rural localities in different areas of the country. The RADTRAK2 detectors kindly provided by the RADONOVA laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden, for the MOL9007 project funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been used. The exposure period was 90 days. The measured radon concentrations are the following: the average (±standard deviation) 252.8 ± 215.9 Bq/m³; the range (minimum–maximum) 10–1480 Bq/m³; the median 200 Bq/m³ and the geometric mean (± geometric standard deviation) 158.5 ± 3.0 Bq/m³. The results of the study allowed mapping indoor radon and identifying localities with increased radon concentrations. In order to reduce the high radon concentrations in places recording >300 Bq/m³, appropriate measures have been proposed according to the legislation in force. The cluster analysis showed positive links between the radon concentration in dwellings and the incidence of respiratory diseases, especially the bronchopulmonary cancer in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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9 pages, 2250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upgrade of a Highly Sensitive Monitor for Atmospheric Radon Measurement

by Lei Zhang, Yucai Mao, Hao Wang and Qiuju Guo

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1257; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101257 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2569

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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12 pages, 2253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiological Risk Assessment for Karstic Springs Used as Drinking Water in Rural Romania

by Alexandra Laura Cucoș, Mircea Claudiu Moldovan, Bety Denissa Burghele, Tiberius Dicu and Oana Teodora Moldovan

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091207 - 16 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

Seasonal variations of the radon and radium activity concentrations in karstic water sources originating in karstic formations were investigated as part of a premiere systematic survey conducted in Romania. A database including a total of 228 drinking water samples collected from 30 distinct [...] Read more.

Seasonal variations of the radon and radium activity concentrations in karstic water sources originating in karstic formations were investigated as part of a premiere systematic survey conducted in Romania. A database including a total of 228 drinking water samples collected from 30 distinct water sources adjacent to rural communities was compiled. The radon and radium activity concentrations for all seasons, assessed based on solid scintillation, ranged from 2.1 to 19.7 Bq/L and from 0.6 to 3.0 Bq/L, respectively. Overall, the detected radon and radium contents did not exceed the radioprotection standards recommended by national and European legislation. However, in at least one season, the measured values for 31% of the samples exceeded the 11.1 Bq/L maximum contaminant level for radon in drinking water recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States. The associated radiological risk, reported in terms of annual effective dose, was calculated to be between 9.8 × 10⁻⁶ and 6.0 × 10⁻⁵ mSv/y for radon and between 5.9 × 10⁻⁵ and 2.7 × 10⁻⁴ mSv/y for radium, which are considerably below the WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines at a value of 0.1 mSv/y. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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8 pages, 731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

²²²Rn Exhalation Rates from Some Granite and Marble Used in Korea: Preliminary Study

by Hyewon Lee, Jungsub Lee, Sungwon Yoon and Cheolmin Lee

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081057 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3055

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish a test method for assessing radon exhalation rates from building materials considering radon related environmental policy and research in Korea. This method was established in consideration of cost-effectiveness based on the International Standards Organization (ISO) [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to establish a test method for assessing radon exhalation rates from building materials considering radon related environmental policy and research in Korea. This method was established in consideration of cost-effectiveness based on the International Standards Organization (ISO) method and the closed chamber method, which is an evaluation method for the emission of hazardous chemical substances from building materials in Korea. The assessment of radon exhalation rates from five types each of granite and marble used in the construction industry in Korea gave mean radon exhalation rates of 0.497 ± 0.467 Bq/m²∙h from granite and 0.193 ± 0.113 Bq/m²∙h from marble, indicating higher radon exhalation rates from granite. These results are consistent with those of a previous study, indicating that granites are more likely to show higher radon exhalation rates than marbles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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15 pages, 2886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radon Spatial Variations in University’s Buildings Located in an Italian Karst Region

by Federica Leonardi, Teresa Botti, Giuliana Buresti, Anna Paola Caricato, Alberto Chezzi, Carlo Pepe, Sabina Spagnolo, Sabrina Tonnarini, Miriam Veschetti and Rosabianca Trevisi

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1048; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081048 - 15 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2372

Abstract

In the framework of a collaboration between INAIL and University of Salento, an indoor radon survey in 54 buildings belonging to the UniSalento University (Southeast Italy) was carried out. The monitored buildings differ by type, construction period, materials, etc., and are located in [...] Read more.

In the framework of a collaboration between INAIL and University of Salento, an indoor radon survey in 54 buildings belonging to the UniSalento University (Southeast Italy) was carried out. The monitored buildings differ by type, construction period, materials, etc., and are located in an area with a morphology characterized mainly by marls, calcareous marls, and calcarenites (karst area). The sample of the survey includes 963 rooms at different floors: it consists in rooms mainly located at ground floor (67%), first floor (12%), and below ground (12%). SSNTD passive dosimeters measured the average radon activity concentration for two consecutive semesters (spring/summer and autumn/winter) from which annual radon averages were estimated for each room. The spatial variability within buildings was investigated in terms of variation between floors and among rooms at the same floor. Data analysis provides evidence that the distributions (in terms of arithmetic mean, standard deviation, median, and geometric mean) of indoor radon annual averages at ground floor and at first floor within building are very similar. This highlights that the karstic characteristics of soil and building materials affect radon levels not only below ground and at ground floor, but also at first floor. Moreover, to evaluate the spatial variability of radon among buildings or floors, the analysis of the distribution of coefficient of variation (CV) was carried out: the results show a low spatial variability with median and average values of CVs ≤ 30% both for the whole building and at different floor levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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12 pages, 2228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement of NORM in Building Materials to Assess Radiological Hazards to Human Health and Develop the Standard Guidelines for Residents in Thailand: Case Study in Sand Samples Collected from Seven Northeastern Thailand Provinces

by Phachirarat Sola, Uthaiwan Injarean, Roppon Picha, Chutima Kranrod, Chunyapuk Kukusamude and Shinji Tokonami

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081024 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

A total of 223 sand samples collected from seven provinces in Northeastern Thailand were analyzed for their gamma radioactivity from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), and the data were used to calculate the concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40. Radiological safety indicators such [...] Read more.

A total of 223 sand samples collected from seven provinces in Northeastern Thailand were analyzed for their gamma radioactivity from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), and the data were used to calculate the concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40. Radiological safety indicators such as the indoor external dose rates (

D_{i n}

), the annual indoor effective dose (

E_{i n}

), the activity concentration index (

I

), the radium equivalent activity (

R a_{e q}

), the external hazard index (

H_{e x}

), the internal haphazard index (

H_{i n}

), and the excess lifetime cancer risk (

ELCR

) were calculated. The activity concentrations were found to be 36 ± 10

Bq / kg

for Ra-226, 2.64 ± 0.58

Bq / kg

for Th-232, and 323 ± 168

Bq / kg

for K-40. D_in is 62 ± 23

nGy / h

. The E_in is 0.30 ± 0.11

mSv / y

. The activity concentrations and other indicators were reported by each province and compared with the safety standards and are found to be within the safe limits in this study. The results can be used to develop the standard guideline levels for choosing building materials in Thailand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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Graphical abstract

42 pages, 401 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radon Awareness and Policy Perspectives on Testing and Mitigation

by M. Lelinneth B. Novilla, James D. Johnston, John D. Beard, Lucas L. Pettit, Siena F. Davis and Claire E. Johnson

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081016 - 8 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3743

Abstract

One in three homes in Utah (USA) contains dangerous levels of radon. Except for a radon mitigation certification law, Utah’s radon laws are nonexistent. To determine public perception of state policies on radon testing and mitigation, a social cognitive theory-based 52-item questionnaire was [...] Read more.

One in three homes in Utah (USA) contains dangerous levels of radon. Except for a radon mitigation certification law, Utah’s radon laws are nonexistent. To determine public perception of state policies on radon testing and mitigation, a social cognitive theory-based 52-item questionnaire was administered to residents (N = 307) who visited the Utah County Health Department (UCHD) during the study period. Respondents were divided into an Environmental Health Group (n = 110), who purchased a radon kit, and Vital Records Control Group (n = 197), who filed/obtained birth/death certificates at UCHD. Ninety percent responded they had never tested their homes for radon, and 99% were not aware of state policies regarding radon. Support for various radon policies was significantly associated with older age (odds ratios (OR): 0.37–0.52), being female (OR: 2.60–7.79), lower annual family income (OR: 2.27), and theoretical constructs of behavioral modeling (OR: 2.31–2.55) and risk perception (OR: 2.55–3.71). To increase awareness, testing, and remediation, respondents suggested increasing public education/awareness, requiring testing in homes, businesses, and public buildings, and increasing access to testing. Multi-sectoral radon risk reduction programs could incorporate behavioral modeling and risk perception as components to create a radon testing and mitigation culture in Utah. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

9 pages, 1397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Commercially Available Active-Type Radon–Thoron Monitors at Different Sampling Flow Rates

by Yuki Tamakuma, Chutima Kranrod, Yuto Jin, Hiromu Kobayashi, Eka Djatnika Nugraha, Aoi Sanpei, Mizuki Kiso, Hiroki Hashimoto, Ryoju Negami, Masahiro Hosoda and Shinji Tokonami

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 971; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12080971 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3011

Abstract

Recently, some commercially available active-type radon–thoron monitors were developed; however, their performance has not been characterized. This article presents the characteristics of three commercially available active-type radon–thoron monitors (RAD7, Radon Mapper, and AlphaGUARD) at different sampling flow rates. The thoron concentration measured by [...] Read more.

Recently, some commercially available active-type radon–thoron monitors were developed; however, their performance has not been characterized. This article presents the characteristics of three commercially available active-type radon–thoron monitors (RAD7, Radon Mapper, and AlphaGUARD) at different sampling flow rates. The thoron concentration measured by the monitors was compared with the reference value measured by a grab sampling method. As a result, the ratio of the measured concentration to the reference increased with flow rate for the RAD7 and the Radon Mapper although that of the AlphaGUARD decreased. The difference may be attributed to the coefficients used in the calculation and the measurement time scheme. The results indicate the importance of the sampling flow rate in thoron measurement. Monitoring of flow rate at the measurement and periodic calibration at multiple sampling flow rates should be conducted for quality assurance and quality control of the measurand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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9 pages, 19664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations of Radon Concentration in the Atmosphere of Zhijindong Cave (China)

by Xu Weng, Weijun Luo, Yanwei Wang, Guangneng Zeng and Shijie Wang

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12080967 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2362

Abstract

Ensuring high air quality in the atmosphere of Zhijindong Cave is essential, for it is one of the most scenic in Asia and has received millions of tourists each year. Radon, as the most important radioactive carcinogen, is a priority and has been [...] Read more.

Ensuring high air quality in the atmosphere of Zhijindong Cave is essential, for it is one of the most scenic in Asia and has received millions of tourists each year. Radon, as the most important radioactive carcinogen, is a priority and has been measured since just after its opening. However, an artificial exit was opened in 2002, and it is still unclear what the influence of that has been on the radon concentration in the cave atmosphere. In this study, we use RAD7 to monitor the spatiotemporal variations of radon concentration in the atmosphere of Zhijindong Cave for a whole year. The results show that radon concentration is generally higher in the hot season and lower in the cold season, and both with a distinct spatial differences. The highest measured radon concentration is 1691 Bq/m³, which is lower compared with the previous study. The reduced radon concentration could be caused by the strengthened cave ventilation due to the artificial exit. The temporal variation of radon concentration is related to the outside temperature change, while the spatial variation is mostly related to the different cave layers. The effective dose is negligible for tourists, but can be as high as 9.7 mSv for tour guides and 22.6 mSv for photographers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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17 pages, 2637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Variation of Radon Concentrations in Russian Residential High-Rise Buildings

by Ilia Yarmoshenko, Georgy Malinovsky, Aleksey Vasilyev and Aleksandra Onishchenko

Atmosphere 2021, 12(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12070930 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3022

Abstract

Assessment of the annual radon concentration is often required in indoor radon surveys of territories and individual dwellings for comparison with reference levels, studying factors affecting radon accumulation in dwellings, assessment of exposure in epidemiological studies, etc. The indoor radon surveys were carried [...] Read more.

Assessment of the annual radon concentration is often required in indoor radon surveys of territories and individual dwellings for comparison with reference levels, studying factors affecting radon accumulation in dwellings, assessment of exposure in epidemiological studies, etc. The indoor radon surveys were carried out in multistorey buildings in eight Russian cities using solid state nuclear track detectors with an exposure period of three months. For these surveys, the estimation of annual indoor radon concentration was required to compare radon levels in buildings of high- and low-energy-efficiency classes located in different cities. To develop approaches to seasonal normalization in high-rise buildings, long-term one-hour radon concentration series obtained applying radon-monitors in 20 flats were analyzed. The dependency of indoor radon concentration on the indoor–outdoor temperature difference was studied taking into account the known natural, technogenic and anthropogenic factors affecting radon levels. The developed model of seasonal variations in multistorey buildings includes winter, summer, and demi-season periods, which differ both in ventilation intensity and dependency of radon concentration on the temperature difference. The developed model allows to estimate annual radon concentration taking into account the actual distribution of outdoor temperatures during the exposure of the track detectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

14 pages, 8980 KiB

Open AccessReview

Implementation of a Radon Monitoring Network in a Seismic Area

by Victorin-Emilian Toader, Andrei Mihai, Iren-Adelina Moldovan, Constantin Ionescu, Alexandru Marmureanu and Iosif Lingvay

Atmosphere 2021, 12(8), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12081041 - 13 Aug 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2562

Abstract

Large-scale radon monitoring is carried out due to the fact that it is directly responsible for public health. European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM has been transposed into the legislation of several countries and provides for the need for long-term monitoring of radon in homes and [...] Read more.

Large-scale radon monitoring is carried out due to the fact that it is directly responsible for public health. European Directive 2013/59/EURATOM has been transposed into the legislation of several countries and provides for the need for long-term monitoring of radon in homes and workplaces by setting the average annual reference level at 300 Bq/m³. At the same time, radon is a precursor factor, its emission being correlated with seismic and volcanic activity. In this case, the protection of the population is ensured by a forecast similar to a meteorological one. The NIEP (National Institute for Earth Physics) is developing a multidisciplinary real-time monitoring network in the most dangerous seismic area in Romania, Vrancea. This is located at the bend of the Carpathian Mountains and is characterized by deep earthquakes (over 80 km), with destructive effects over large distances. Implementing a multidisciplinary monitoring network that includes radon, involves finding the locations and equipment that will give the best results. There is no generic solution for achieving this, because the geological structure depends on the monitoring area, and in most cases the equipment does not offer the ability to transmit data in real time. The positioning of the monitoring stations was based on fault maps of the Vrancea area. Depending on the results, some of the locations were changed in pursuit of a correlation with zonal seismicity. Through repeated tests, we established the optimal sampling rate for minimizing errors, maintaining measurement accuracy, and ensuring the detection of anomalies in real time. The radon ²²²Rn was determined by the number of counts and ROI1 (region of interest) values, depending on the particularities of the equipment. Finally, we managed to establish a real-time radon monitoring network which transmits data to geophysical platforms and makes correlations with the seismicity in the Vrancea area. The equipment, designed to store data for long periods of time then manually download it with manufacturers’ applications, now works in real time, after we implemented software designed specifically for this purpose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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Open AccessCase Report

Measurement and Mitigation of Radon Concentration in a Traditional Dwelling in Galicia, Spain

by Ricardo Pol, Raúl Rodríguez, Luis Santiago Quindós and Ismael Fuente

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010014 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which tends to build up within structures. It is therefore necessary to include techniques to mitigate radon concentration when undertaking refurbishment. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mitigation technique based [...] Read more.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas which tends to build up within structures. It is therefore necessary to include techniques to mitigate radon concentration when undertaking refurbishment. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a mitigation technique based on pressurizing the interior of a building, by testing a prototype of the mitigating device, developed by Siglo 21 Consultores and the LaRUC of the University of Cantabria, under real conditions, to determine its effectiveness during refurbishment. The methodology involved installing the proposed solution in a traditional country dwelling in an area characterized by high radon concentration, on the coast of Galicia, Spain. In order to measure the effectiveness of the solution, continuous measurement sensors, set in an ionization chamber, and properly calibrated by the LaRUC laboratory, were installed. The results obtained show that pressurizing the living quarters brings about an effective reduction in the radon concentration, with a relatively simple building solution. This solution, which is compatible with the principle of minimum intervention, is seen to be especially appropriate when work is undertaken in structures recognized as heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Measurements, Control, Mitigation and Management)

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