title: Emanation of radon from household granite.
abstract: Emanation of radon (222Rn) from granite used for countertops and mantels was measured with continuous and integrating radon monitors. Each of the 24 granite samples emitted a measurable amount of radon. Of the two analytical methods that utilized electret-based detectors, one measured the flux of radon from the granite surfaces, and the other one measured radon levels in a glass jar containing granite cores. Additional methods that were applied utilized alpha-scintillation cells and a continuous radon monitor. Measured radon flux from the granites ranged from 2 to 310 mBq m-2 s-1, with most granites emitting <20 mBq m-2 s-1. Emanation of radon from granites encapsulated in airtight containers produced equilibrium concentrations ranging from <0.01 to 11 Bq kg-1 when alpha-scintillation cells were used, and from <0.01 to 4.0 Bq kg-1 when the continuous radon monitor was used.
authors.affiliation: Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA. kitto@wadsworth.org
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kitto
authors.forename: Douglas K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: Hernando Diaz
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Arauzo
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D003252:Construction Materials / Q000032:analysis*; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D011886:Radon / Q000032:analysis*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: C007886:granite; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D011886:Radon