Caves and rockshelters: the risk to ancient cave dwellers from exposure to radon

Crockett, R. G. M. and Gillmore, G. K. (2008) Caves and rockshelters: the risk to ancient cave dwellers from exposure to radon. Invited Presentation presented to: Sixth World Archaeological Congress (WAC-6), Dublin, Republic of Ireland, 29 June - 4 July 2008. (Unpublished)

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Invited Presentation)
Abstract:	Radon concentrations in caves, e.g. the Great Cave of Niah, Sarawak in Miocene Subis Limestone, show that archaeological excavators are at risk from exposure to naturally occurring radioactive gas (radon, Rn222), with cave dwellers being exposed to an estimated dose of 26.42 mSv. The IRR (1999) indicates a maximum dose to a member of the public should be no more than 1 mSv annually. In the Creswell Crags Permian limestone caves (UK) radon increases with increasing distance into the caves, due to ventilation and topography, with cave dwellers exposed to a possible dose of 15.86 mSv. The Carboniferous Limestone Clapham Cave (UK) presents similar issues. The risks outside a cave, at the front entranceway and deep inside (those producing rock art may be a kilometre in) is noted, for a variety of cave occupancies and types. Such environments may have been poorly ventilated, and smoky, increasing radon risk
Subjects:	C Auxiliary Sciences of History > CC Archaeology T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD885.5 Radon pollution G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography > GB400 Geomorphology. Landforms. Terrain > GB561 Other natural landforms: Floodplains, caves, deserts, dunes > GB601.2 Caves
Creators:	Crockett, Robin G M and Gillmore, Gavin K
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Applied Sciences (to 2009) > Environmental Science (to 2009)
Date:	30 June 2008
Date Type:	Presentation
Event Title:	Sixth World Archaeological Congress (WAC-6)
Event Dates:	29 June - 4 July 2008
Event Location:	Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Event Type:	Conference
Language:	English
Status:	Unpublished
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/1839

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