Radon in indoor air is discussed in the perspective of the effective dose equivalents from other sources of radiation. Estimates of equivalents from indoor radon and its contribution to lung cancer incidence are reviewed. Swedish experiences with cost effective remedial actions in a cost-benefit perspective.
This paper reviews the literature on sources and measurement of natural airborne radionuclides and radiation in buildings. It also briefly reviews control measures and suggests areas for further research. The major emphasis is given to radon 222 and its daughters, since they typically cause thelargest organ dose to the general population, most of which arises from indoor exposures. The indoor radiation field from radionuclides fixed in building materials and soil is also given substantial treatment.
A representative sample of over 2,000 UK dwellings was monitored for a year using thermoluminescent and etchable plastic dosemeters to measure gamma ray dose rates and radon concentrations.
Models have been developed to enable prediction to be made of the dose incurred indoors from gamma radiation and from inhalation of radon decay products.
The National Radiological Protection Board has undertaken a large scale environmental survey of radiation levels in homes throughout the United Kingdom. Passive radon and gamma ray dosemeters were posted to a representative sample of households. Lithium fluoride thermoluminescence dosemeters were used to assess natural gamma radiation and were left in the measurement location for a period of six months before being returned to the Board for processing. As a preliminary to the national survey, several limited surveys were undertaken in regions of igneous and sedimentary geology.
The results of our investigations in the Federal Republic of Germany on the Rn-222 and Rn-220 daughter product concentration in dwellings and in the open air are presented. The median Rn-222 concentration indoors was approximately 4 times hig
Gives an account of the results of research into ventilation and radiation in buildings, including one-family dwellings and blocks of flats. Investigation includes recording the air change rate, the radon levels, the radium emanation rate and gamma radiation. The object of the investigation is to obtain background material for continued research into limit values for radon and radium emanation levels in dwellings.
Lists three factors causing a high radon and radon daughter concentration in Swedish dwellings:< 1. By energy-saving measures the ventilation rate has become low.< 2. 10% of existing houses are built of light-weight concrete with a high proportion of radium.< 3. Large regions have high radium content in the ground.< Describes a method for detecting high radon daughter levels by measuring gamma radiation from the outside.
By-product gypsum, produced as a waste in the phosphate industry, could be used in bulk as a building material but it has a higher radium content than other building material. Reports an analysis of the dose rate that would result if gypsum were used for a two-storey, three-bedroom, centre terrace house. Discusses the dose from beta radiation, gamma radiation and radon gas,assuming one air change per hour.
Reports a nationwide investigation of gamma radiation in Swedish houses, made by the National Institute of Radiation Protection in Stockholm. The occupants of 2000 apartments and houses were picked at random and asked to participate in the investigation. The measurements were made with thermoluminescent dosimeters CaSO4 - Dy in teflon. Three detectors were sent to each of the selected dwellings by post. Finds that the accuracy of the detectors is about+ or - 25%.
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