Development of a Long-Term Personal Radon Monitor

Abstract

A personal monitor using track etch technology was developed to obtain a more accurate measure of individual exposure to radon. The monitor is housed in a watch casing, and is worn as such; it is waterproof and can be worn continuously. Field testing of the monitor took place at two locations in British Columbia and involved 49 subjects ranging in age from 5–82 years (mean 36.7 years), in 23 dwellings. Monitors were worn for two months. Simultaneously each home was measured with standard REM AT-100 monitors placed in the basement and the main living area. One questionnaire was completed specific to the home, and another was completed by each resident regarding personal activity patterns in the house and elsewhere. It was found that a good correlation between standard and watch monitors was obtained (r2=0.83). The best predictor of personal exposure was based on a time-weighted average, followed by main floor and basement radon levels. The watch monitors were well received by the participants (both adults and children) for continuous wear and indicate potential for use in domestic and occupational settings.