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Radon and ‘King Solomon’s miners’: Faynan Orefield, Jordanian Desert

Grattan, J. P., Gillmore, G. K., Gilbertson, D. D., Pyatt, F. B., Hunt, C. O., McClaren , S. J., Phillips, P. S. and Denman, A. R. (2004) Radon and ‘King Solomon’s miners’: Faynan Orefield, Jordanian Desert. The Science of the Total Environment. 319, pp. 99-113. 0048-9697.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Concentrations of 222Rn were measured in ancient copper mines which exploited the Faynan Orefield in the South-Western Jordanian Desert. The concentrations of radon gas detected indicate that the ancient metal workers would have been exposed to a significant health risk and indicate that any future attempt to exploit the copper ores must deal with the hazard identified. Seasonal variations in radon concentrations are noted and these are linked to the ventilation of the mines. These modern data are used to explore the differential exposure to radon and the health of ancient mining communities.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Radon, radioactive gas, copper mining, Jordan, ancient world, human health
Subjects: R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1247.R33 Toxicology. Radon
T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution
T Technology > TN Mining engineering. Metallurgy > TN400 Ore deposits and mining of particular metals
T Technology > T Technology (General) > T37 Industrial archaeology
Creators: Grattan, J P, Gillmore, Gavin K, Gilbertson, David D, Pyatt, F B, Hunt, C O, McClaren , S J, Phillips, Paul S and Denman, Anthony R
Publisher: Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date: 2004
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 99-113
Journal or Publication Title: The Science of the Total Environment
Volume: 319
Language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-9697(03)00442-X
ISSN: 0048-9697
Status: Published / Disseminated
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6166

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