title: The effects of high ambient radon on thermoluminescence dosimetry readings.
abstract: The effect of a high level of ambient (222)Rn gas on thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) is examined. Groups of LiF:Mg,Ti and CaF(2):Dy TLDs were exposed to (222)Rn under controlled environmental conditions over ∼7 d using a luminous (226)Ra aircraft dial. LiF:Mg,Ti TLDs were tested bare, and both types were tested mounted in cards used for environmental dosimetry and mounted in cards enclosed in plastic badges. A passive continuous radon monitor was used to measure the (222)Rn level in the small chamber during the experiments. The data were analysed to determine the relationship between the integrated (222)Rn level and the TLD response. Although both LiF:Mg,Ti and CaF(2):Dy TLDs showed a strong response to (222)Rn, the badges prevented measurable radon detection by the TLDs within. The TLDs were not used to directly measure the radon concentration; rather, a correction for its influence was desired.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences,  University of Michigan, 2355 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2104,  USA.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Kimberlee J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Kearfott
mesh_terms: D002124:Calcium Fluoride / Q000737:chemistry; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000737:chemistry; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D008274:Magnesium / Q000737:chemistry; D011886:Radon; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D018020:Lithium Compounds; C027651:lithium fluoride; D014025:Titanium; D008274:Magnesium; D002124:Calcium Fluoride; D011886:Radon; D005459:Fluorides