title: A quick method for estimation of long-lived alpha activity in work atmospheres.
abstract: In an operating plant quick reporting of the status of long-lived alpha activity concentrations in the work atmosphere is required. This will help in taking any corrective control measures if required. Radon and thoron progeny concentrations prevalent in the general atmosphere predominantly interfere in measurement of long-lived alpha activity in air. The alpha counts due to radon and thoron progeny vary widely in many atmospheric conditions. Therefore, conventionally, 5 days delay is allowed for all interfering activity to decay completely and true alpha air activity is then estimated. An approach for quick assessment of long-lived alpha activity by eliminating interference due to radon and thoron progeny in air, is made here. Based on the study of the pattern of alpha count rate due to radon and thoron progeny in air, a method for estimation of long-lived alpha activity within 8 hours delay time is suggested in this paper.
authors.affiliation: Health Physics Unit, NFC, Radiation Protection Section (NF), Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, PO: ECIL, Hyderabad-500062, India. gks@nfc.ernet.in
authors.forename: G K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ramakrishna Rao
authors.forename: A Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Balbudhe
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Sarma
mesh_terms: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D000512:Alpha Particles; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D017687:Radon Daughters / Q000032:analysis*; D013910:Thorium / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D017687:Radon Daughters; D013910:Thorium