An automated gross alpha/beta activity monitor applied to time-resolved quantitative measurements of {sup 222}Rn progeny in air

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Health Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199504000-00012· OSTI ID:254363

Smetsers, R C.G.M. ^[1]

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1. National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, Bilthoven (Netherlands)

Automated monitors for the determination of airborne radioactivity are widely in use as early warning systems for nuclear emergencies; however, the data acquired for this purpose are seldom used for analyzing spatial and temporal variations of natural radioactivity (especially radon and short-lived decay products). This paper shows that a specific type of airborne gross alpha/beta activity monitor, applied in several European emergency networks, can be effectively used to study the transport of {sup 222}Rn progeny in the outdoor environment. Real-time recordings (10-min sampling time) can, independent of the actual equilibrium ratio, be converted to the equilibrium-equivalent decay-product concentration (EEDC) of {sup 222}Rn. Medium volume air sampling and a slow-moving tape air sampler yield a low detection limit of {<=}0.1 Bq m{sup -3}. This paper further describes all factors and processes contributing to the uncertainty in the data obtained in this way; the total error in single recordings is estimated at 20-25% (95% confidence interval). Data of {sup 222}Rn progeny obtained from the Dutch National Radioactivity Monitoring network agree with results of other radon surveys.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 254363
• Journal Information: Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 68; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AIR
AIR SAMPLERS
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
PROGENY
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIATION MONITORS
RADIONUCLIDE MIGRATION
RADON 222