Radioactive Gas Research Articles

Detection of Radioactive Gas with Scintillating MOFs

AbstractHomogenous radioactive gas contamination constitutes the hardest challenge for radioprotection due to its elusive nature. Most common radioactive gas are 85Kr, 222Rn, and tritiated (3H) vapors. Each of them has different challenges, often leading to specialized single‐gas detectors. The state‐of‐the‐art detection either produces chemical‐radiological waste, is hard to implement online, or requires large volume. A new paradigm is presented for radioactive gas detection that can perform online detection on any gas and fit in the hand. This study use photoluminescent metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as both porous gas sponges and scintillators. The response of several zinc based MOF is studied, using a unique radioactive gas test bench. These tests showed that MOFs are able to both concentrate and detect successfully 85Kr. The investigation is completed with calibration with different activities. The study also reports detection of 222Rn, and measurement of its half‐life. Finally, the study is completed with the successful detection of tritiated dihydrogen, commonly known to be a hard radionuclide to detect due to its low energy and penetration range. This paper shows that scintillating MOFs are a powerful solid‐state approach and a practical solution to the challenge of radioactive gas measurements.

Consequences of changing Canadian activity patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic include increased residential radon gas exposure for younger people

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced widespread behaviour changes that shifted how people split their time between different environments, altering health risks. Here, we report an update of North American activity patterns before and after pandemic onset, and implications to radioactive radon gas exposure, a leading cause of lung cancer. We surveyed 4009 Canadian households home to people of varied age, gender, employment, community, and income. Whilst overall time spent indoors remained unchanged, time in primary residence increased from 66.4 to 77% of life (+ 1062 h/y) after pandemic onset, increasing annual radiation doses from residential radon by 19.2% (0.97 mSv/y). Disproportionately greater changes were experienced by younger people in newer urban or suburban properties with more occupants, and/or those employed in managerial, administrative, or professional roles excluding medicine. Microinfluencer-based public health messaging stimulated health-seeking behaviour amongst highly impacted, younger groups by > 50%. This work supports re-evaluating environmental health risks modified by still-changing activity patterns.

Overview and large-scale representative estimate of radon-222 flux data in China

• Surface radon-222 flux (RF) is poorly known at large spatial scales worldwide. • We collected 2622 RF data using 69 publications from databases available in China. • Substratum lithology dominantly controls RF mean value at large spatial scales. • RF is affected by soil thickness, on average reduced for larger thickness. • Representative RF for China after soil thickness correction is 20±6 mBq m −2 s −1 . The inert radioactive gas radon-222, ubiquitous in the environment, is the first cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and a powerful asset to trace geological fluids and constrain atmospheric transport models. In all of these applications, radon flux (RF) from the ground needs to be estimated. However, obtaining a large-scale representative estimate of RF in continental land is a challenging task and a starting basis is to focus on large countries in the world. Here, we collected a total of 2622 direct RF measurements carried out in continental China from 1988 to 2021 using 69 publications in a 494-document pool. Over the whole dataset, the RF results were classified into geographical provinces, time periods and substratum types. Mean RF values yield 180±32, 36.9±4.8, 31.1±1.0, 66.1±1.6 and 1510±100 mBq m −2 s −1 in metamorphic and igneous ( n =71), sedimentary ( n =24), Quaternary ( n =585), faulted areas ( n =832) and uranium-related sites ( n =898), respectively. Considering geology only, mean RF for China (66±11 mBq m −2 s −1 ) is larger than most large-scale estimates worldwide. To account for the distribution of soil thickness, RF values were extrapolated to representative soil thickness values per lithology using a scaling law inferred from natural sites. The inferred corrected mean RF for China yields 20.2±6.1 mBq m −2 s −1 , corresponding to a total radon-222 emission of (191±43) × 10 9 Bq s −1 , and appears compatible with available large-scale estimates in Europe or at global scale. Potential sources of systematic bias and variability, such as vegetation cover, meteorological and seasonal effects, remain. The contribution of urban areas, estimated for the first time, was found significant. Our study suggests future research directions to better constrain the RF source to the atmosphere in China, and, more generally, to extract robust global-scale representative RF values from direct RF measurements.

Exploring the reliability of 222Rn as a tracer of groundwater age in alluvial aquifers: Insights from the explicit simulation of variable 222Rn production

Knowledge of groundwater residence times (GRT; the time elapsed since surface water infiltration) between losing rivers and pumping wells is crucial for management of water resources in alluvial aquifers. The radioactive noble gas radon-222 (222Rn) has been used for decades as a natural indicator of surface water infiltration, as it can provide quantitative information on GRT. However, models using 222Rn as a tracer of GRT are often based on a set of highly simplifying assumptions, including spatially homogenous 222Rn production and exclusively advective mass transport within the aquifer. In this paper, we use the integrated surface-subsurface hydrological model HydroGeoSphere (HGS) to simulate 222Rn transport, production, and decay in a bank filtration context. Spatially variable 222Rn production, based on experimental data, is explicitly considered. We show that variable 222Rn production rates, coupled with hydrodispersive mixing of groundwater, may lead to large biases in GRT estimates. Under certain transient conditions however, changes in tracer-derived GRTs correlate well with changes in mean groundwater age. Whereas 222Rn-derived GRTs may only be reliable under a narrow range of field conditions, 222Rn may serve as a powerful tracer of changes in mean GRT even in complex and heterogenous environments.

Co-Designing Communication: A Design Thinking Approach Applied to Radon Health Communication.

Indoor radon is a natural radioactive gas and is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Despite multiple policy and communication interventions to increase radon testing and mitigation, the uptake of these measures remains insufficient. A participatory research design was applied in Belgium and Slovenia to probe the barriers and facilitators homeowners experience regarding radon protective behavior on the one hand and co-designing communication tools on the other hand. The results show that there remains a need for interventions on all levels (i.e., policy, economic interventions, and communication). Moreover, results indicated a need for a communication strategy that follows the different steps between awareness and performing mitigation measures. Further, involving the target group in the early stages of intervention design was beneficial. Future research is needed to test the effectiveness of the proposed communication strategies in a controlled setting.

Optical modeling of a radioisotope atmospheric chamber

Volatile radioisotopes represent a substantial health risk when released into the environment. To better understand the environmental fate of radioisotopes, the authors constructed a cylindrical steel-walled chamber to simulate the atmospheric processing of volatile radioactive gases. Optical modeling was performed for the properties of simulated sunlight in the chamber to better characterize atmospheric reaction studies. Optical simulations were performed using two wall materials (steel and thin-film silica) and validated against experimental measurements. This optical analysis methodology can be used to improve the fidelity of atmospheric models by accounting for optical inhomogeneities enabling a firmer grasp of radioisotopes’ environmental fate.Graphical abstract

Prediction of stable radon fluoride molecules and geometry optimization using first-principles calculations

Noble gases possess extremely low reactivity because their valence shells are closed. However, previous studies have suggested that these gases can form molecules when they combine with other elements with high electron affinity, such as fluorine. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, and the formation of radon-fluorine molecules is of significant interest owing to its potential application in future technologies that address environmental radioactivity. Nevertheless, because all isotopes of radon are radioactive and the longest radon half-life is only 3.82 days, experiments on radon chemistry have been limited. Here, we study the formation of radon molecules using first-principles calculations; additionally, possible compositions of radon fluorides are predicted using a crystal structure prediction approach. Similar to xenon fluorides, di-, tetra-, and hexafluorides are found to be stabilized. Coupled-cluster calculations reveal that RnF6 stabilizes with Oh point symmetry, unlike XeF6 with C3v symmetry. Moreover, we provide the vibrational spectra of our predicted radon fluorides as a reference. The molecular stability of radon di-, tetra-, and hexafluoride obtained through calculations may lead to advances in radon chemistry.

A Detailed Study of the Radon and Progeny Levels in Houses of Bangalore Metropolis, Karnataka, India

Introduction: Radon, a radioactive inert gas that makes up a significant portion of the background radiation to which people are exposed, can endanger public health when it builds up in inadequately ventilated residential and commercial spaces. The lungs' exposure to alpha particles after inhaling Radon decay products accounts for around half of the overall radiation effective dose to the general public. Objectives: To observe the variation of radon and progeny levels in different locations and different houses of Bangalore city having variety of features viz., season, walls, rooms, flooring, volume and diurnal various. Methods: Standard protocols provided by Environmental Assessment division, Bhabha atomic research centre, Mumbai is followed for the all the measurements. Results: In this outlook, the interior atmosphere must have to be carried out for both 222Rn (radon) and 220Rn (thoron) levels in order to provide an accurate assessment of the natural breathing dose. For the present study a sizable number of measurements had been made for more than eight years which examined the effective dose rates caused by indoor levels of 222Rn, 220Rn, and their progeny during various seasons of the year. In order to lessen the effective dosage rate, it is advised that lower size houses have sufficient ventilation and granite floorings to be avoided. Conclusions: More thorough research should be planned and carried out in this area and across the nation on the evaluation of public exposure to natural radiation, particularly the exposure from 222Rn, 220Rn and their offspring.

Hyperfine structure and isotope shifts of xenon measured for near-infrared transitions with Doppler-free saturated absorption spectroscopy

Hyperfine structure and isotope shifts of Xe were investigated with Doppler-free saturated absorption spectroscopy for all transitions in the 820-841 nm spectral interval. The Xe samples were commercial gases of natural isotopic abundances. The measurements were performed by employing a widely tunable narrow line Ti:sapphire laser. The hyperfine structures for 129Xe and 131Xe were well resolved. For the transitions with the wavelengths in vacuum near 820.860 nm and 841.150 nm also isotope shifts of the even isotopes were clearly observed. The modeling of the shapes of the observed absorption lines qualitatively reproduces experimental spectral profiles. The measured absorption peaks of the hyperfine structure and isotope shifts of Xe isotopes present characteristic spectral fingerprints for their identification. Eventually, quantitative spectral analysis will provide isotopic abundances of natural, as well as radioactive Xe gas samples.

Hereditary Mathematical Model of the Dynamics of Radon Accumulation in the Accumulation Chamber

Mathematical modeling is used to study the hereditary mechanism of the accumulation of radioactive radon gas in a chamber with gas-discharge counters at several observation points in Kamchatka. Continuous monitoring of variations in radon volumetric activity in order to identify anomalies in its values is one of the effective methods for studying the stress–strain state of the geo-environment with the possibility of building strong earthquake forecasts. The model equation of radon transfer, taking into account its accumulation in the chamber and the presence of the hereditary effect (heredity or memory), is a nonlinear differential Riccati equation with non-constant coefficients with a fractional derivative in the sense of Gerasimov–Caputo, for which local initial conditions are set (Cauchy problem). The proposed hereditary model of radon accumulation in the chamber is a generalization of the previously known model with an integer derivative (classical model). This fact indicates the preservation of the properties of the previously obtained solution according to the classical model, as well as the presence of new properties that are applied to the study of radon volumetric activity at observation points. The paper shows that due to the order of the fractional derivative, as well as the quadratic nonlinearity in the model equation, the results of numerical simulation give a better approximation of the experimental data of radon monitoring than by classical models. This indicates that the hereditary model of radon transport is more flexible, which allows using it to describe various anomalous effects in the values of radon volume activity.

Effects of radon exposure on gut microbiota and its metabolites short-chain fatty acids in mice

Radon (222Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Forty percent of the natural radiation to which the human body is exposed comes from radon gas. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of radon induces systemic damage. However, the effect of such exposure on gut microbiota still remains unclear. We explored the effects of radon exposure on gut microbiota and its metabolites short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in BALB/c mice by cumulative inhalation of radon at 30, 60, and 120 working level months (WLM). The radon-exposed mice showed slow body weight gain, decreased serum triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, decreased diversity, lower community structure, and altered abundance of the gut microbiota. Lachnospiraceae, Amaricoccus, and Enterococcus could differentiate the IR30, 60, and 120 WLM groups, respectively. Meanwhile, radon exposure affected the metabolic functions of the gut microbiota, mainly carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolic pathways. The altered abundance of microbiota and resulting reduced levels of SCFAs may aggravate the damage caused by radon exposure.

Clearing the air: A systematic review of mass media campaigns to increase indoor radon testing and remediation

Abstract Indoor radon is a natural radioactive gas that enters homes through cracks in the foundations. It is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Although radon can be detected with an indoor radon test and can be mitigated by means of either ventilation or professional measures, testing and mitigating rates of the at-risk population remain insufficient. The objective of this study is to systematically review the current level of evidence regarding the design and effectiveness of mass media campaigns to address the health risks of indoor radon to homeowners. The results show that informative tone of voices prevailed, other components, such as emotional or social components, were often not included. Furthermore, the focus was mostly on intention and less on behavior itself, and on testing instead of mitigation. Further research is needed to test effective and innovative communication strategies to increase protective behavior concerning indoor radon.

Radon Solubility in Different Tissues after Short Term Exposure.

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, contributes significantly to lung cancer when incorporated from our natural environment. However, despite having unknown underlying mechanisms, radon is also used for therapeutic purposes to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Data on the distribution and accumulation of radon in different tissues represent an important factor in dose determination for risk estimation, the explanation of potential therapeutic effects and the calculation of doses to different tissues using biokinetic dosimetry models. In this paper, radon's solubility in bones, muscle tissue, adipose tissue, bone marrow, blood, a dissolved gelatin and oleic acid were determined. In analogy to current radon use in therapies, samples were exposed to radon gas for 1 h using two exposure protocols combined with established γ-spectroscopic measurements. Solubility data varied over two orders of magnitude, with the lowest values from the dissolved gelatin and muscle tissue; radon's solubility in flat bones, blood and adipose tissue was one order of magnitude higher. The highest values for radon solubility were measured in bone marrow and oleic acid. The data for long bones as well as bone marrow varied significantly. The radon solubility in the blood suggested a radon distribution within the body that occurred via blood flow, reaching organs and tissues that were not in direct contact with radon gas during therapy. Tissues with similar compositions were expected to reveal similar radon solubilities; however, yellow bone marrow and adipose tissue showed differences in solubility even though their chemical composition is nearly the same-indicating that interactions on the microscopic scale between radon and the solvent might be important. We found high solubility in bone marrow-where sensitive hematopoietic cells are located-and in adipose tissue, where the biological impact needs to be further elucidated.

Indoor Radon Levels in Homes and Schools in the Western Cape, South Africa-Results from a Schools Science Outreach Initiative and Corresponding Model Predictions.

We describe a school science outreach initiative that introduced learners to applied nuclear physics research by means of a two-day workshop that involved learners and teachers from 5 schools in the Western Cape province of South Africa. During this workshop, the participants were introduced to the naturally occurring, inert, colorless, and tasteless radioactive gas radon (222Rn). During the first day of the workshop, the participants were informed about the detrimental health impacts of inhaling radon and its daughter radionuclides and were shown how indoor radon activity concentrations can be measured using the electret ion chamber (EIC) technology. The learners were then each supplied with a short-term electret (E-PERM, Radelec, Frederick, MD, USA) and associated ion chamber to enable them to make radon measurements in their homes. The teachers in turn were supplied with EICs to enable them make radon measurements in their schools. The participants returned the EICs on the second day of the workshop, one week later. Here, the drop in the potential difference across each electret was measured in order to calculate the average indoor radon activity concentration. A total of 49 indoor radon concentrations were measured. The average indoor radon concentrations were 36 ± 26 Bqm-3 in homes and 41 ± 36 Bqm-3 in schools, while the highest concentration was found to be 144 Bqm-3. These levels were compared to predictions from a model that uses input information about the uranium content associated with the surface geology at each measurement location. The predictions compared well with the measured values.

Possible Locking Shock Time in 2–48 Hours

An hourly scale precursor of inland earthquakes (EQs) is revealed in this paper. Several EQ cases in China have been reported. As indicated by a table listing 23 inland EQs and their shock time, epicenter location, magnitude, near-epicenter weather conditions, precursor start time and precursor duration, when the weather conditions are fair near the epicenter, an anomalously negative atmospheric electrostatic signal is readily observable approximately 2–48 h before the EQ occurs. Moreover, a successful single-station alarm for nearby moderate-magnitude EQs is demonstrated, and a possible mechanism for the precursor signal is proposed. The change in the electrostatic field during an EQ process is explained as the release of radioactive gases from the subsurface into the atmosphere via large (regional-scale) preexisting microfractures in the rock at the source depth. These gases considerably ionize the atmosphere, and the separated positive and negative ions establish a special macroscopic electric field. The final critical stage of 2–48 h before an EQ may indicate a stable tectonic process.

Indoor Radon and Thoron Measurement using CR-39 and LR-115 detectors in dwellings of Beni Mellal-Khenifra area (Morocco)

Radon and thoron are radioactive gases that are found naturally in the environment. They can seep into homes through cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. Once inside, they can build up to levels that are harmful to human health. A study of radon and thoron concentrations in 65 homes in the Beni Mellal province of Morocco found that the levels varied widely, from 16 to 304 Bq.m-3 for radon and from 1 to 25 Bq.m-3 for thoron. The concentrations were found to be influenced by a number of factors, including the type of home, ventilation conditions, and the geological materials in the area. The average estimated dose received by the public due to radon and thoron in the homes studied was 45 ± 0.28 mSv.y-1 and 0.20 ± 0.01 mSv.y-1, respectively. These doses are considered to be low-level radiation exposure, but they can increase the risk of cancer over time. These results suggest that it would be beneficial to prohibit the construction of houses near industrial areas and to use construction materials that are adapted to the criteria of dose limitation.

Indoor radon monitoring in various ventilation degree in some schools of Duhok City, Iraq

Radon is a radioactive noble gas, recognized as a carcinogenic agent, being affected by degree of ventilation. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the concentration of indoor radon gas in schools, to estimate the main factors affecting their radon concentration levels and to analyze the effective dose received by students in Duhok schools. Therefore, the concentrations of radon were measured in 28 classrooms, from 13 schools located in Duhok city, using both RAD7 and Corentium monitor, from January 15-30, 2021. In all schools indoor radon was measured in four different scenarios of closed, natural and mechanical ventilation then, radon reduction rate between each case was calculated. In addition to that, exposure to annual effective dose of radon, for each different degree of ventilation, was evaluated. Furthermore, effects of building floors were studied. Results showed that maximum radon concentration, 121 Bqm-3, was recorded in closed ventilation, while minimum, 15 Bqm-3, was recorded in mechanical ventilation. Radon reduction rate in a mechanical ventilation is relatively large 81%. Also, results demonstrate that indoor radon levels at first floor, in all schools under study, were considerably greater than those at second and third floor (p < 0.05). The annual effective dose of all studied schools at 4 different cases of ventilation were found less than the worldwide average radiation dose of 3-10 mSv. So, it is not required to take any action to minimize the level of radon in schools under study.

Improving the Radon Adsorption Capacity of Activated Carbon by Liquid Nitrogen Modification

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive inert gas that poses a significant threat to the human health. Coconut shell activated carbon has been verified to be the best radon adsorbing material, but its radon adsorption capacity still cannot meet the requirement of industrial applications. Activated carbon modification using liquid nitrogen is an effective method for improving the radon adsorption capacity, but it is necessary to determine the conditions for large-scale production. In this study, the influence of environmental temperature, container geometry, and amount of activated carbon and liquid nitrogen on the modification effect are examined. The results show that the activated carbon has the best modification effect when the container is placed in a water bath at 50 °C. The container geometry and activated carbon mass have a minor influence on the modification effect. Further, the radon adsorption capacity is increased by 36% when 6.5 L of liquid nitrogen is added to 1 kg of activated carbon. The characterization results reveal that the chemical structure and elemental content of the activated carbon do not change after modification, but the number of micropores is significantly increased, especially the micropores with a size of 0.5-0.6 nm, which is related to the radon adsorption capacity of the modified activated carbon. Overall, the liquid-nitrogen-based modification is a simple, environment-friendly, and low-cost method to improve the radon adsorption capacity of activated carbon, which can be used in the large-scale production of highly efficient radon adsorbents.

Of rats and rocks: using pre-clinical PET imaging facilities in core analysis

Positron emission tomography (PET) is routinely used for medical imaging; a current surge in published geoscientific research utilizing this modality also infer increasing interest for in-situ PET imaging in core analysis. Excellent signal to noise ratio coupled with high temporal and spatial resolution suggest that PET might become the new method-of-choice for core analysis. Obstacles related to production, transfer and handling of radioactive fluids and gases must, however, be dealt with for PET to become a widely used core scale imaging technique. This paper describes an ongoing, true multidisciplinary collaboration, where pre-clinical PET imaging facilities are routinely used in core analysis to investigate dynamic fluid flow at high pressure conditions. We detail challenges and opportunities related to porous media research in established pre-clinical laboratory facilities designed for small-animal imaging, and demonstrate the significant potential of PET imaging in core scale analysis in a context related to long-term porous media carbon storage. Explicit imaging of several fluid phases is possible by PET imaging using a range of readily available radiotracers. Relevant radiotracers to carbon storage in porous media are e.g. the carbon radioisotope 11C and water-soluble tracer 18F. These are both short-lived tracers (20 - 110 min) and must be used in high doses of radiation, which present challenges related to safe transfer and handling. Although there are several obstacles to conduct advanced core analysis in hospital imaging facilities (some of which are detailed in this paper), significant advantages include trained personnel on-site to operate a local cyclotron, procedures in place to ensure safe and efficient transfer of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals from the cyclotron, and advanced image analysis capabilities available. Cyclotrons are widely available worldwide (currently more than 1200 operating cyclotrons), often located in close proximity to medical and pre-clinical imaging facilities and academic institutions. Similar collaborations may therefore also be possible elsewhere, reducing the need for allocated geophysical PET-scanners and lowering the threshold for routinely using PET imaging in core analysis.

TIME PATTERN OF RADIONUCLIDE EMISSIONS AND DISCHARGES INTO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE PIVDENNOUKRAINSKA NPP SURVEILLANCE ZONE.

assessment of impact of operation of the Pivdennoukrainska Nuclear Power Plant (PUNPP) on the environment of surveillance zone (SZ) based on parameters of radiation monitoring within 2015-2021 period. socio-hygienic (analysis of the radiation monitoring parameters), analytical, statistical. The environmental radiation impact associated with emissions and discharges of radioactive substances originated in the production cycle of the PUNPP in everyday conditions was found as insignificant. The gas-aerosol atmospheric emissions of inert radioactive gases, long-lived nuclides, and 131I did not exceed the established permissible levels (PL) and amounted to a hundredth of a percent of the emission limit (EL) for the inert radioactive gases and long-lived nuclides, and a thousandth of a percent for radioactive iodine. Total atmospheric emissions of the 51Cr, 54Mn, 59Fe, 58Co, 60Co, 90Sr, 95Zr, 95Nb, 134Cs, 137Cs, and 3Н radionuclides by the PUNPP power units (actual and % of EL) did not exceed the established PL. Maximum average values of atmospheric air concentration of 137Cs in SZ forthe 2015-2021 period ranged from 2.858 μBq/m3 (PUNPP industrial site) to 1.986 μBq/m3 (Riabokoneve village, 33.5 km distance), and maximum average values of the 90Sr air concentration were from 1.310 μBq/m3 to 0.566 μBq/m3, respectively. According to radionuclide monitoring no significant change of the quality of surface water occurred upon the PUNPP discharges to the Pivdennyi Bug River. Specific activity of the 137Сs in agricultural products in the PUNPP SZ was insignificant and not exceeding the PL of the content in food products. Content of 137Cs in the samples from the PUNPP SZ did not exceed 1.0 % of the total activity. Average concentration of radionuclides in atmospheric air of the settlements in the PUNPP SZ was several orders of magnitude lower than that established by regulatory documents. The PUNPP discharges to the Pivdennyi Bug River, according to radionuclide parameters that are monitored, have not significantly changed the quality of surface water. The content of 90Sr and 137Cs was uniform in all observation radii of distance from the NPP, confirming the very low level of 90Sr and 137Cs environmental emission by the PUNPP. The content of 137Cs in agricultural products within the PUNPP SZ was significantly lower than PL.