Time-integrating radon gas measurements in domestic premises: comparison of short-, medium- and long-term exposures.
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.
Groves-Kirkby
C J
CJ
Medical Physics Department, Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust, Cliftonville, Northampton NN1 5BD, UK. chris.groves-kirkby@ngh.nhs.uk
Denman
A R
AR
Crockett
R G M
RG
Phillips
P S
PS
Woolridge
A C
AC
Gillmore
G K
GK
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D002606:Charcoal; D006798:Housing; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons; D006113:United Kingdom
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D002606:Charcoal; D011886:Radon