Time-integrating radon gas measurements in domestic premises: comparison of short-, medium- and long-term exposures

Groves-Kirkby, C.J, Denman, A.R, Crockett, R.G.M, Phillips, P.S, Woolridge, A.C and Gillmore, G (2006) 'Time-integrating radon gas measurements in domestic premises: comparison of short-, medium- and long-term exposures.' Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 86 (1). pp. 92-109. ISSN 0265-931X

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.07.008

Abstract

To identify the most applicable technology for the short-term assessment of domestic radon levels, comparative assessments of a number of integrating detector types, including track-etch, electret and activated charcoal were undertaken. Thirty-four unremediated dwellings in a high-radon area were monitored using track-etch detectors exposed for one-month and three-month periods. In parallel, one-week measurements were made in the same homes at one-month intervals, using co-located track-etch, charcoal and electret detectors exposed simultaneously, while three of the homes were also monitored by continuous-sampling detectors at hourly intervals over extended periods. Calibration of dose-integrating devices against each other and against continuous-monitoring systems confirmed good responsivity and linearity. Although track-etch, charcoal and electret devices are suitable in principle for one-week measurements, zero-exposure offset and natural radon variability cause many one-week results to be equivocal, necessitating repetition of the measurement. One-week exposures can be reliable indicators in low-radon areas or for new properties, but in high-radon areas, the use of three-month exposures is indicated. This analysis also established confidence limits for short-term measurements.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: radon, track-etch, electret, activated charcoal, continuous sampling, comparative assessment, health risk, domestic properties
Divisions: School of Sciences
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2005.07.008
Date Deposited: 02 Jun 2021 20:45
Last Modified: 15 Aug 2021 09:56
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/14090
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