Radon-222 levels in New York State homes

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Health Physics; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-199002000-00001· OSTI ID:6946843

Perritt, R L; Hartwell, T D; Sheldon, L S; Cox, B G; Clayton, C A; Jones, S M; Smith, M L; Rizzuto, J E ^[1]

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1. Research Triangle Institute, NC (USA)

Results are presented from a statewide survey that measured annual 222Rn concentrations in over 2000 single-family, owner-occupied homes in New York state. The participants were selected by a random-digit-dialing telephone interview approach developed by Mitofsky-Waksberg which allows inferences to be made from the sample to the statewide population. After completing a telephone questionnaire and agreeing to have their homes monitored, eligible households were mailed alpha-track detectors with instructions to place one detector in the main living area for 2 mo (during the winter heating season), a second in the main living area for 1 y, and a third in the basement (if applicable) for 1 y. The statewide median concentration for the heating-season, living-area readings was 31.6 Bq m-3, with a median of 24.0 Bq m-3 for the annual living-area readings and 51.8 for the annual basement readings. For the state, approximately 95% of the living-area concentrations and 86% of the basement concentrations were below 148 Bq m-3 (4 pCi L-1). In addition, only 1.4% of the readings in the basement were above 740 Bq m-3 (20 pCi L-1).

• OSTI ID: 6946843
• Journal Information: Health Physics; (USA), Journal Name: Health Physics; (USA) Vol. 58:2; ISSN 0017-9078; ISSN HLTPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540130* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
AIR POLLUTION
ALPHA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BUILDINGS
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
FEDERAL REGION II
HEAVY NUCLEI
HOUSES
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION
ISOTOPES
MONITORING
NEW YORK
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
POLLUTION
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADON 222
RADON ISOTOPES
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
USA