title: Short- versus long-term radon detectors: a comparative study in Galicia, NW Spain.
abstract: As reported in previous studies, Galicia (NW Spain) is an area of high radon concentrations. This study was sought to analyze the correlation between short-term (activated carbon) and long-term (alpha particle track) detectors in this geographic area, and ascertain whether there were differences in their readings that might be influenced by other variables. A comparison study, as part of a case-control study was designed in which two detectors, one of each type, were placed in the selected homes. A total of 391 homes yielded readings with both detectors. The results indicated that there was a relatively good correlation between both types of monitors (correlation coefficient 0.608; p<0.001). The highest correlations between both detectors were observed for unventilated homes, coastal sites, and the oldest buildings. Short-term and long-term detectors do not show a similar performance in all settings or situations. It is advisable to use long-term detectors whenever possible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, San Francisco, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mralbert@usc.es
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruano-Ravina
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castro-Bernárdez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sande-Meijide
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Barros-Dios
mesh_terms: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*; D005843:Geography; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D013030:Spain; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D011886:Radon