Comparative analysis of weekly vs. three monthly radon measurements in dwellings

Phillips, P. S., Denman, A. R., Crockett, R. G. M., Gillmore, G. K., Groves-Kirkby, C. J. and Woolridge, A. C. (2004) Comparative analysis of weekly vs. three monthly radon measurements in dwellings. 190086844X. Commissioned by: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Radioactve Substances Division

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Item Type:	Monograph (Research Report)
Abstract:	34 unremediated dwellings in a high-radon area were monitored with three types of dose-integrating radon detector. 20 homes were monitored for 4 consecutive 3-month periods and simultaneously for 12 consecutive 1-month periods; the remainder were monitored for 9 months (4 properties), 6 months (6 properties) or 3 months (4 properties). In addition, 1-week measurements were made at 1-month intervals, using co-located Track-Etch, Activated Charcoal and Electret detectors simultaneously. Calibration of dose-integrating devices against continuous-monitoring systems confirmed good responsivity and linearity. Although Track-Etch, Activated Charcoal and Electret devices are suitable in principle for one-week measurements, zero-exposure offset and natural radon variability mean that many one-week results will be equivocal and will need to be repeated. During the work, the chosen Track-Etch detector supplier abandoned the market, necessitating identification of a replacement, raising concerns over equivalence of results from nominally identical products from different sources and necessitating statistical compensation. Analysis of the data-set permitted derivation of confidence limits for the estimation of long-term average radon concentrations from short-term measurements.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Radon, Track-Etch, Electret, Charcoal, Comparative Assessment
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution
Creators:	Phillips, Paul S, Denman, Anthony R, Crockett, Robin G M, Gillmore, Gavin K, Groves-Kirkby, Chris J and Woolridge, Anne C
Funders or Sponsors:	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Northamptonshire and East Midlands:	Environment
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Environmental Science (to 2009)
Date:	1 January 2004
Date Type:	Publication
Number of Pages:	73
Language:	English
ISBN:	190086844X
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
Related URLs:	Organisation
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/39

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