Indoor Rn levels in different geological areas in Switzerland
The distribution of indoor Rn concentrations in different geological areas in Switzerland was studied using passive alpha-track detectors. Measurements involving a sample of 400 single-family homes were made in the cellar, on the ground floor and the first floor, respectively. On the basis of a pilot survey, the country was divided into four zones in which the Rn distribution in houses was analyzed separately. The indoor exposure to Rn and Rn decay products is quite variable from region to region. The geology of the different areas was found to be an important factor in determining the mean value Rn levels. In the basin north of the Alps, where the population centers are located, a median Rn gas level of 47 Bq m-3 for the living area was found. The arithmetic mean value of 60 Bq m-3 in this region leads to an annual effective dose equivalent of about 1.8 mSv. For the population living in alpine areas, an arithmetic mean value exceeding 200 Bq m-3 will lead to an annual effective dose equivalent in the range of 6 mSv. The estimated exposure to Rn and Rn decay products for the upper one-percentile of the homes in the most affected alpine region even exceeds the annual limit of 50 mSv effective dose equivalent for occupational exposure.
- Research Organization:
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Villigen PSI (Switzerland)
- OSTI ID:
- 5823407
- Journal Information:
- Health Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Health Phys.; (United States) Vol. 57:1; ISSN HLTPA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Correlation among the terrestrial gamma radiation, the indoor air sup 222 Rn, and the tap water sup 222 Rn in Switzerland
Increased indoor Rn levels due to actinide containing mineral collections displayed in living areas
Related Subjects
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560161 -- Radionuclide Effects
Kinetics
& Toxicology-- Man
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
BUILDINGS
DOSE EQUIVALENTS
DOSES
DOSIMETRY
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
EUROPE
FILM DOSIMETRY
FLUIDS
GASES
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
HOUSES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
MONITORING
NONMETALS
POLLUTION
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADON
RARE GASES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
SAFETY STANDARDS
STANDARDS
SWITZERLAND
VARIATIONS
WESTERN EUROPE