An instrument for measuring equilibrium-equivalent {sup 222}Rn concentrations with etched track detectors
- Nagoya Univ. (Japan). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering
To simultaneously measure both {sup 222}Rn and {sup 220}Rn progeny concentrations, a new type of portable integrating monitor with allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39) plastic detectors was developed. The monitor gives the average equilibrium equivalent {sup 222}Rn and {sup 220}Rn concentrations EEC{sub Rn} and EEC{sub Tn} during sampling intervals. The detection efficiencies of the alpha particles were calculated by Monte Carlo method. The lower limits of detection for EEC{sub Rn} and EEC{sub Tn} are estimated to be 0.57 Bq m{sup 13} and 0.07 B1 m{sup {minus}3} for 24 h continuously sampling at a flow rate of 0.9 L min{sup {minus}1}. The measuring results with the new type monitors were confined through intercomparison experiments. In a small survey, a rather high {sup 220}Rn progeny concentration with an average of 1.73 Bq m{sup {minus}3} was observed in traditional Japanese dwellings with soil/mud plastered walls. On the other hand, a very high {sup 232}Th concentration in soil was reported in China. They suggested that there is a possibility of high {sup 220}Rn progeny concentration in both Japan and China.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 696835
- Journal Information:
- Health Physics, Journal Name: Health Physics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 77; ISSN HLTPAO; ISSN 0017-9078
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Indoor /sup 222/Rn measurements in the region of Beijing, People's Republic of China
Time-averaged exposures to sup 220 Rn and sup 222 Rn progeny in Colorado homes