Integrated measurements of 222Rn by absorption in Makrofol

Abstract

Recently, a method for long-term 222Rn measurements based on the radon absorption ability and track-etch properties of Makrofol has been proposed. The basic idea is to remove, after exposure, a surface layer, thicker than the range of the α-particles of the 222Rn or 220Rn progenies, and to study the track density of the electrochemically etched tracks at that depth. This paper summarizes the performance of the method under laboratory and field conditions. The effects on the response due to differences in pressure, temperature, humidity, the presence of 220Rn, dust and cigarette smoke in the air have been studied experimentally. The effect of these factors, but the temperature, is either absent, or restricted to about 10% for the very extreme cases. The variation of the response at the studied depth of 83 μm over the temperature interval 15–25°C is ±12% around the 19.5°C value. The field comparison conducted showed an agreement between the method of radon absorption in Makrofol and the conventional diffusion chambers. Therefore, a potential for long-term 222Rn measurements in the human environment by radon absorption in Makrofol or equivalent polycarbonates clearly exists.