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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Emissions of naturally occurring radioactivity: fireclay mine and refractory plant

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5548653
Atmospheric emissions of naturally occurring radioactivity were measured at a fireclay mine and the associated plant that produces refractory brick products. The only significant radioactive emission from the mine was radon-222. An analysis of the ore radioactivity and surface area of the mine indicated that the radon released is comparable to that from any similar surface area of similar radioactivity. The major particulate radioactivity from the refractory operation was polonium-210, released as the brick was fired. Approximately 26 percent of the polonium-210 in green brick was driven off in the kilns.
Research Organization:
Office of Radiation Programs, Las Vegas, NV (USA)
OSTI ID:
5548653
Report Number(s):
PB-81-187742
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English