Radon emanation measurement using French and Russian track detectors

Abstract

This paper presents the first results of a new Franco-Russian project: the International Centre for Radon Expertise (I.C.R.E.). The objectives of this center include determining the sources and contents of natural radioactive gases and their radioactive daughters in order to provide protection against radiation for the population and the environment, and trace the migration of radioactive elements in the soil and plants. Passive radon measurement techniques developed in France and in Russia have been used together to conduct preliminary studies. The results of a comparison of the two techniques, applied both in laboratory and outdoors, are also presented. In order to develop the one passive technique that will be used in future studies, the possibility of optimization using various French and Russian detectors has been investigated. Attempts have been made to compare the response of original measurement cells with nuclear track detectors. Comparisons of such track detector responses have been performed at the university of Franche-Comte in France using various radon environmental conditions (atmospheric gas, soil gas and in water).