Gillmore, G. K., Grattan, J., Pyatt, F. B., Phillips, P. S. and Pearce, G. (2002) Radon, water and abandoned metalliferous mines in the UK: environmental and human health implications. In: Merkel, B. J., Planer-Friedrich, B. and Wolkersdorfer, C. (eds.) Uranium in the Aquatic Environment: Proceedings of the International Conference [on] Uranium Mining and Hydrogeology III and the International Mine Water Association Symposium, Freiberg, Germany, 15-21 September 2002. Berlin: Springer. 9783642628771. pp. 65-76.
| Item Type: | Conference Proceedings |
|---|---|
| Abstract: | A study has been undertaken of radon gas levels in the atmosphere in abandoned metalliferous mines that were exploited primarily for tin in South-West England, UK, and compared to levels in an old lead mine in northern England, UK. Measurements have been taken since 1992 in the South-West of radon in the air using a variety of measuring techniques. Extremely high radon gas levels have been noted in a number of these mines, one of the highest levels recorded in Europe was recorded at 3,932,920 Bq m-3 in a shallow adit of an ex-uranium mine. The health implications for casual users/explorers of such mines are shown to be considerable. Even outside such mines, in adit entranceways, very high atmospheric radon levels were recorded of, for example, 200,000 Bq m-3. The heavy metal content of stream-water that flows from such mine adits together with dissolved radon content has also been measured and assessed in terms of potential health effects. A combination of heavy metal pollution and radiation can have a considerable impact on health and this research recommends that further research should be undertaken in such environments. |
| Subjects: |
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA1247.R33 Toxicology. Radon R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA565 Environmental health T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution |
| Creators: | Gillmore, Gavin K, Grattan, John, Pyatt, F Brian, Phillips, Paul S and Pearce, Gillian |
| Editors: | Merkel, Broder J, Planer-Friedrich, Britta and Wolkersdorfer, Christian |
| Publisher: | Springer |
| 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: | 2002 |
| Date Type: | Publication |
| Page Range: | pp. 65-76 |
| Title of Book: | Uranium in the Aquatic Environment: Proceedings of the International Conference [on] Uranium Mining and Hydrogeology III and the International Mine Water Association Symposium, Freiberg, Germany, 15-21 September 2002 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Uranium in the Aquatic Environment |
| Event Title: | International Conference on Uranium Mining and Hydrogeology III and the International Mine Water Association Symposium |
| Event Dates: | 15-21 September 2002 |
| Place of Publication: | Berlin |
| Event Location: | Freiberg, Germany |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Number of Pages: | 1112 |
| Language: | English |
| ISBN: | 9783642628771 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55668-5_7 |
| ISSN: | 9783642628771 |
| Status: | Published / Disseminated |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| URI: | http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6358 |
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