Reports investigation of the radon concentrations in Swedish homes. The concentrations of radon and daughter products, air change rate and gamma levels have been investigated in 63 dwellings in seven types of houses built at the beginning of the 1970's in the town of Gavle. Gives table of results. From these results the absorbed dose in the basal cells of bronchial epitheiuim in the lung has been calculated for various periods.
A portable background gamma-radiation dosimeter with a high-pressure ionization chamber was designed. The gamma background radiation dose rate and radon concentration in the air of the 97 new flats were measured. The flats were selected in the houses of the experimental settlement in Suzewiec (quarter of Warsaw), of three settlements of Kodz, and of five settlements of the upper silesian industrial area. For the construction of these settlements building materials typical for new constructions in Poland were used, such as products derived from metallurgical wastes like slag or boiler ash.
Reports measurements of concentrations of thorium, potassium, uranium radium, and relative radioactivity of building materials used in the United Kingdom. Gives table of results. Examines in particular calcined gypsum prepared as a by product in the manufacture of superphosphate fertilizers. Discusses the relationship between radium concentration and gamma-ray dose rate
Reports environmental background radiation exposure measurements made in approximately 100 residences in the vicinity of Livermore, California showing variations in annual exposure from 52 to 130 mr. Measurements were made with CaF2:Dy (tld-200) dosimeters at quarterly intervals for a period of 1 year. Dwellings were typically wood-frame structures with stucco exteriors. Interior exposure rates were, on average, about 25% lower than those outdoors.
Reports study of the exposure rate due to the gamma-ray natural background in some representative areas of Italy using a portable high-pressure ionization chamber. In some areas spectrometric measurements were made to distinguish between contributions to the total from cosmic rays and from natural radioactive series. The measurement areas were chosen to be representative of the main geological formations.
Reviews literature on radioactivity in construction material. Finds that radioactivity in building materials used in the United States has received very little attention and that except for studies to find construction materials of very low background, there are no reports of radiological surveys of any U.S. building materials used for general construction purposes. Discusses surveys made outside the U.S.A. and summarized the gamma exposure rates found inside buildings (table 2). Gives bibliography of approximately 270 references.
Reports first report from committee, "Preliminary proposals for measures against radiation risks in dwellings". Notes that prime source of radiation, alum-based lightweight concrete, has been banned in new buildings in Sweden, but is still present in 10%of pre-1975 houses. Provisional limits for gamma radiation for undeveloped sites: 30-100 micro.r/h (site should only be built on subject to other conditions), more than 100 micro.r/h (building inadvisable). suggests that geological radiation maps be charted. Notes reduction in radon content through house ventilation.
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