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.
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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:
Creators:
Gillmore, G. K., Grattan, J., Pyatt, F. B., Phillips, P. S. and Pearce, G.
Editors:
Merkel, B. J., Planer-Friedrich, B. and Wolkersdorfer, C.
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
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
ISSN:
9783642628771
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
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