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Discrimination of airborne radioactivity from radon progeny

Journal Article · · Health Physics
; ;  [1]
  1. National Tsing Hua Univ., Hsinchu (Taiwan, Province of China); and others

Naturally occurring radon and thoron progeny are the most interfering nuclides in the aerosol monitoring system. The high background and fluctuation of natural radioactivity on the filter can cause an error message to the aerosol monitor. A theoretical model was applied in the simulation of radon and thoron progeny behavior in the environment and on the filter. Results show that even a small amount of airborne nuclides on the filter could be discriminated by using the beta:alpha activity ratio instead of gross beta or alpha counting. This method can increase the sensitivity and reliability of real-time aerosol monitoring. 8 refs., 11 figs., 3 tabs.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
249944
Journal Information:
Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 66; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English