Groves-Kirkby, C. J., Denman, A. R., Crockett, R. G. M., Phillips, P. S., Woolridge, A. C. and Gillmore, G. K. (2006) Time-integrating radon gas measurements in domestic premises: comparison of short-, medium- and long-term exposures. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 86(1), pp. 92-109. 0265-931X.
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Abstract:
To identify the most applicable technology for the short-term assessment of domestic radon levels, comparative assessments of a number of integrating detector types, including track-etch, electret and activated charcoal were undertaken. Thirty-four unremediated dwellings in a high-radon area were monitored using track-etch detectors exposed for one-month and three-month periods. In parallel, one-week measurements were made in the same homes at one-month intervals, using co-located track-etch, charcoal and electret detectors exposed simultaneously, while three of the homes were also monitored by continuous-sampling detectors at hourly intervals over extended periods. Calibration of dose-integrating devices against each other and against continuous-monitoring systems confirmed good responsivity and linearity. Although track-etch, charcoal and electret devices are suitable in principle for one-week measurements, zero-exposure offset and natural radon variability cause many one-week results to be equivocal, necessitating repetition of the measurement. One-week exposures can be reliable indicators in low-radon areas or for new properties, but in high-radon areas, the use of three-month exposures is indicated. This analysis also established confidence limits for short-term measurements
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Radon; Track-etch; Electret; Activated charcoal; Continuous sampling; Comparative assessment; Health risk; Domestic properties
Subjects:
Creators:
Groves-Kirkby, C. J., Denman, A. R., Crockett, R. G. M., Phillips, P. S., Woolridge, A. C. and Gillmore, G. K.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Date:
1 January 2006
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 92-109
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
Volume:
86
Number:
1
Language:
English
ISSN:
0265-931X
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
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