Radon Decay Research Articles

Determination of the Radon Progeny Activity Size Distribution in Laboratory Conditions

Knowledge of the active size distribution of radon daughters is one of the main parameters for determining the effective dose from inhalation of short-term radon decay products. However, this parameter is crucial for accurately determining an effective dose; there are currently very limited possibilities for determining it. This paper describes the laboratory validation of a method for determining the activity size distribution of radon decay products using the Dekati ELPI+ cascade impactor and the Graded Screen Array Diffusion Battery (GSA DB). Using nuclear track detectors placed on individual impaction plates of the cascade impactor, the equivalent equilibrium activity concentration of individual size classes can be determined in the range from 17 nm to 10 μm. A diffusion battery was used to detect smaller particles in the unattached fraction area. The presented method can further refine the knowledge of the activity size distribution of radon decay products in different types of workplace atmospheres. Workplaces with higher radon concentrations differ significantly in the size distribution of aerosol particles, radon activity concentration, and equilibrium equivalent activity concentration.

Radon Equilibrium Factor and the Assessment of the Annual Effective Dose at Underground Workplaces

The equilibrium factor F is one of the parameters that should be considered when assessing the effective dose based on radon activity concentration. Since the equilibrium factor in various environments ranges theoretically from a value close to 0 to 1, it is expected that dose assessment based on one recommended coefficient value may lead to an underestimation or overestimation of the dose. That is why it is essential to measure this quantity if the basis for dose assessment is the radon concentration and not the concentration of radon decay products. The equilibrium factors were determined based on measurements of radon activity concentration and potential alpha energy concentration and varied from 0.15 to 0.94, with an arithmetic mean of 0.55. The average effective dose calculated for the employee taking into account these values was 31 mSv, assuming an annual working time of 1800 h. In turn, the average effective dose calculated for the equilibrium factor of 0.2 as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was equal to 13 mSv.

Elevated airborne radioactivity downwind of a colorado oil refinery

ABSTRACT Airborne radioactivity from fossil fuel production systems is poorly characterized, but a recent study showed elevated ambient levels with proximity to oil and gas production wells. Here, we report year-long, high temporal resolution monitoring results of airborne alpha radioactivity from both radon gas and radon progeny attached to particulates immediately northeast of an oil refinery in Commerce City, Colorado, USA, in an environmental justice community of concern. Gas and particle-associated radioactivity contributed nearly evenly to the total alpha radioactivity. Total radioactivity levels of 30–40 Bq m−3 were 2–3 times higher than background levels (~10–15 Bq m−3) when winds were light and southwesterly, suggesting the refinery as the geographic origin. Furthermore, elevated airborne radioactivity tracked most closely with the light hydrocarbon and natural gas tracer ethane. Thus, the data imply natural gas as the radon emission carrier, possibly from flaring. However, this could not explain all our particle-associated radioactivity observations. Our findings are unique and suggest a need for further investigations of radon emissions from oil and gas infrastructure such as natural gas processing plants, compressor stations, petrochemical plants, and oil refineries that process oil and natural gas from unconventional production. Implications Statement: Regulatory agencies currently do not mandate or conduct monitoring of radioactivity releases and public exposure from petroleum industry air emissions. This study reports elevated radioactivity from radon gas and nonvolatile radon decay products attached to particulate matter, at about 2-3 times above background levels in proximity to Colorado’s largest oil refinery. Observations were within an environmental justice community of concern that experiences well above-average exposure to many other harmful atmospheric pollutants, suggesting potential adverse health effects from this cumulative exposure. Our findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and affected communities alike.

Investigation on radon levels in soil and water associated with Mount Tampomas geothermal activity in Indonesia

ObjectiveTo investigate radon emanation in geothermal manifestations around Mount Tampomas, West Java, Indonesia, and assess radon concentrations in soil and water samples. MethodsRadon measurements were conducted using the Durridge Rad7 instrument, supplemented with a soil gas probe for in-situ soil radon measurements at a depth of 80 ​cm. In-situ water radon measurements were performed using the Rad Aqua instrument, while radon measurements for hot water samples were conducted separately. Radon measurements for hot water samples were corrected for decay using a radon decay correction factor. ResultsThe analysis of radon measurements revealed a wide range of concentrations in soil and water samples. Soil radon concentrations ranged from 15 Bq/m³ to 4,660 Bq/m³, with localized hotspots exhibiting exceptionally high concentrations. Water radon measurements showed elevated levels, ranging from 0.2 Bq/L to 13.4 Bq/L in-situ, particularly in hot springs. In collected water samples, radon concentrations ranged from 1 Bq/L to 6 Bq/L. These combined results highlight significant variability in radon levels across different water sources influenced by geothermal activity. ConclusionsThese findings indicate active emanation processes influenced by geological factors and underscore the role of subsurface geology and aquifer characteristics in radon transport mechanisms. The presence of localized radon hotspots suggests the need for comprehensive monitoring and proactive management strategies to mitigate environmental and public health risks associated with radon exposure.

Residential radon decay products are associated with cough and phlegm in patients with COPD

Radon decay products attach to particulate matter (referred to as particle radioactivity, PR) has been shown to be potential to promote airway damage after inhalation. In this study, we investigated associations between PR with respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with COPD. 141 male patients with COPD, former smokers, completed the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) after up to four 1-week seasonal assessments (N=474) of indoor (home) and ambient (central site) particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC). Indoor PR was measured as α-activity (radiation) on PM2.5 filter samples. The ratio of indoor/ambient sulfur in PM2.5 (a ventilation surrogate) was used to estimate α-PR from indoor radon decay. SGRQ responses assessed frequent cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, wheeze, and chest attacks in the past 3 months. Multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations accounting for repeated measures was used to explore associations, adjusting for potential confounders. Median (IQR) indoor α-PR was 1.22 (0.62) mBq/m3. We found that there were positive associations between α-PR with cough and phlegm. The strongest associations were with estimated α-PR of indoor origin for cough (31.1 % increase/IQR, 95 %CI: 8.8 %, 57.8 %), and was suggestive for phlegm (13.0 % increase/IQR, 95 %CI: −2.5 %, 31.0 %), similar adjusting for indoor BC or PM2.5. α-PR of indoor origin was positively associated with an increase in SGRQ Symptoms score [1.2 units/IQR; 95 %CI: −0.3, 2.6] that did not meet conventional levels of statistical significance. Our results suggested that exposure to indoor radon decay products measured as particle radioactivity, a common indoor exposure, is associated with cough, and suggestively associated with phlegm and worse HRQL symptoms score in patients with COPD.

Fractal discrete fracture network modeling of radon gas concentration in underground tunnels under Książ Castle in Poland

The numerical modeling of radon concentrations in the fault zone of the underground excavations at Książ Castle was conducted using a stochastic Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. Due to the difficulties related with obtaining the exact fractures in a rock mass, the novel approach used in this study incorporates the stochastic model with known site data. The analysis utilized a dataset comprising long-term measurements of 222Rn activity concentration and geodetic measurements for twelve faults in the Książ unit. The parameters considered in the DFN model are: fracture length, Peclet number (Pe = 0.1 and 1.0, respectively), advection velocities (from 10–8 m/s to 10–6 m/s and from range from 10–7 m/s to 10–4 m/s, respectively), radon diffusion (D = 2.1 × 10–61/s), radon decay constant (λ = 1/s), and radon gas generation (q) along the fractures within the range of 1.5 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s to 3.5 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s. The calibration process obtained the best fit when the radon generation rate was uniformly distributed through the rock mass in addition to incorporating a higher value of radon generation rate (q = 3.0 × 10–3 Bq/m3·s) where elevated radon concentrations have been measured. The modeling results also confirmed that the radon generation rate should always be higher where elevated radon activity concentrations were measured regardless of the measurement period. For the indicated “area” the radon generation rate should be higher from 25% to 37.5% between May–October and 18.5% to 40% between November–April. The influence of fracture zones on the recorded radon activity concentrations was noticeable up to a depth of 15 m. Within this range, the highest values of 222Rn activity concentration, ranging from 1,600 Bq/m3 to 2,000 Bq/m3, were consistently observed regardless of the season. However, as the depth increased, the values of 222Rn activity concentration decreased from 800 Bq/m3 to 400 Bq/m3 and became more dispersed.

Study of the use of wallpaper to mitigate radon exhalation from building materials in indoor spaces

Radon gas is known to exhale from the ground and can enter and accumulate inside buildings. Many countries set radon limit concentrations and propose mitigation techniques applied in the outdoors to prevent radon from entering buildings. However, radon can also exhale from building materials, e.g. cement, bricks, marble or tiles, contributing high concentrations indoors. Space ventilation is the most used technique to reduce the indoor radon concentration to safe limits, but sometimes, it is not enough. In these cases, it is necessary to apply alternative techniques. This work exposes a prevention technique to reduce radon concentration in indoor spaces that come from building materials or from the subsoil diffusing through basement walls, based on the use of wallpapers. The use of wallpapers is a common decorative technique in homes and buildings, which is compatible with interior finishes and is simple to apply, easily accessible, commercially available and inexpensive. Different commercial wallpapers were selected with a cellulosic and polymeric base and vinylic, cellulosic, latex or non-woven coating material. Configurations of single and double layers of wallpaper and a triple configuration by adding an intermediate layer of aluminium film have been tested. Tests to determine the reduction of radon concentration were performed, and diffusion coefficient and diffusion length were calculated following an adaptation of ISO/TS 11665–13 standard. Radon reduction of 90%, low-medium radon resistance and a diffusion coefficient around 10−11 m2/s were reached for single-layer configuration, and up to 98% of radon reduction, medium radon resistance and diffusion coefficient of 10−12 m2/s with double-layer configuration for dense non-porous base wallpapers with vinylic and non-woven coatings. Adding an aluminium foil intermediate in the double configuration improves the results of all wallpapers tested regarding radon reduction concentration, radon resistance, diffusion length and diffusion coefficient. Moreover, for the dense non-porous base made of non-woven fabric with a vinyl coating layer wallpaper, the diffusion length is shorter than the thickness of the sample in this configuration so the amount of penetrating radon will be reduced by the decay of radon in the wallpaper. Therefore, most radon would disintegrate along the sample and the concentration in the interior space would be lower. These results open a new alternative to protect indoor spaces from radon that access through walls or building materials based on a simple, easy and low-cost technique.

Characterization of tracks from alpha-particles in PADC detectors for passive environmental monitoring of fast neutron radiation field

Fast neutron dosimetry is particularly crucial in the realm of radioprotection, as it significantly contributes to evaluating the radiation protection measures. This assessment aims to ensure and enhance the effectiveness of implemented safeguards and precautions, thereby minimizing the risks and potential harm associated with radiation exposure. Given the substantial biological damage that fast neutrons can inflict when interacting with living tissues, accurate dosimetry is indispensable for ensuring the safety of personnel in these environments and for optimizing radiation therapy treatments. Employing an indirect detector technique, this research focuses on characterizing the geometrical and optical properties of tracks produced by alpha particles resulting from boron-neutron reactions and distinguish them from the background made up of tracks generated from radon decay and impurities on the surface of the detector. This methodology holds potential utility particularly in situations where dosimeters are not adequately stored: while the idea of employing plastic or alternative materials to shield dosimeters from radon may appear straightforward, there are numerous factors complicating its effectiveness and universal applicability, for example when the radon proof encapsulations are not sealed perfectly. Through the development of a robust protocol for fast neutron dosimetry, we can not only differentiate between tracks produced by alpha particles of varying energy levels but also quantify the dose resulting from exposure to the neutron field. A solid-state nuclear track detector system (Politrack, Mi.am, Italy) was used to address the critical need for measuring exposure to fast neutrons, thermalized by polyethylene spheres. This advancement facilitates the implementation of more effective radioprotection strategies and contributes to the overall safety of radiation therapy procedures.

Assessing the Precision of Radon Measurements from Beta-Attenuation Monitors

Atmospheric radon measurements assist in many aspects of climate and meteorological research, notably as an airmass tracer and for modelling boundary layer development, mixing heights and stability. Daughter products from radon decay are sometimes incorporated into the particle pollution measurements of commercially available beta-attenuation monitors (BAM). BAMs incorporating radon measurements are used in air quality monitoring networks and can supplement traditional radon measurements. Here we compare in-situ radon measurements from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Franklin, MA, USA) BAM instruments (Thermo Scientific 5014i, Thermo Scientific 5030 SHARP, Thermo Anderson FH62C14) at two air quality monitoring stations in New South Wales, Australia. Between systems we find strong correlations for hourly measurements (r = 0.97–0.99); daily means (r = 0.97–0.99); hour of the day (r = 0.84–0.98); and month (r = 0.82–0.98). The regression analysis for radon measurements between systems showed strong linear responses, although there are some variations in the slopes of the regressions. This implies that with correction BAM measurements can be comparable to standard measurement techniques, for example, from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) dual flow loop monitors. Our findings imply that BAM derived radon measurements are precise, although their accuracy varies. BAM radon measurements can support studies on boundary layer development or where radon is used as an atmospheric transport tracer.

Evaluation of commercial facemasks to reduce the radioactive dose of radon daughters

Commercial facemasks have become a common tool during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are cheap, simple to use and some are capable of filtering out most particles in the air, protecting the user. These qualities are usually employed in relation to hurtful viruses or contaminants, but they could also be used to prevent the radioactive dose due to radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. For that reason, the main goal of this study is to verify if facemasks could prevent radon decay products from entering the potential user’s lungs. Since these decay products are the main source of radioactive dose, several commercial facemasks were tested by exposing them to radon and then measuring the presence of radon daughters by gamma spectroscopy. Reusable facemasks made from materials such as cotton, polyester or neoprene appeared to be inefficient with only 40% filtering efficiency, Polypropylene woven masks being the only exception, with 80% efficiency. Surgical masks presented filtering efficiencies between 90 and 98%. FFP3 and FFP2 proved to be the most reliable, almost completely filtering out radon daughters with filtering efficiencies up to 98%. Results prove that the use of FFP3 and FFP2 facemasks could be a useful tool to reduce the radioactive dose due to radon in places where other techniques cannot be used or are not advisable.

The activity of 210Pb in cigarette smoked in Kazakhstan.

The radon decay product 210Pb is a known component of tobacco. In this study, the activity concentration of 210Pb in the most popular cigarette brands (six samples) for Kazakhstan consumers was determined by beta spectrometry. The activity levels of 210Pb ranged between 2.69 ± 0.27 and 27.42 ± 2.74mBq per cigarette. Higher activity concentrations for 210Pb were found in Sample No.4 and showed an excess of the world average by 1.8 times. The average activity concentrations of 210Pb in cigarette tobacco were 10.42 ± 1.04mBq cig-1. The daily activities inhaled in the lungs of a smoker, and the resulting effective doses due to cigarette smoking were calculated. Effective doses per year due to cigarette smoking were calculated assuming that 42.13% of the 210Pb in tobacco were retained in the lungs of the smokers. It is concluded that for a smoker in Kazakhstan, the average effective dose ranges from 9.1 ± 0.9 μSv/year to 92.8 ± 9.3 μSv/year for a cigarette consumption of one pack of cigarettes per day. The results indicate that the annual effective doses from inhalation of 210Pb due to smoking one pack of cigarettes per day are from 7 to 58 times (for different types of cigarettes) greater than the annual effective doses from ingestion of radionuclides via the diet.

Радиационно-гигиеническая оценка воздействия негативных природных факторов, а также последствий деятельности ОАО «Гидрометаллургический завод» на население города Лермонтов

The article presents the results of a radiation-hygienic assessment of the contribution to the total effective radiation dose to the population of the radon-hazardous territory (town of Lermontov, Stavropol Region) of the aerosol-unattached fraction of the radon and thoron decay progeny after inhalation of them. Research on this topic was carried out in the Russian Federation for the first time. The article also assesses the possible contribution of the source of anthropogenic radioactive contamination of the surrounding area – the tailings storage facility of JSC «Hydrometallurgical Plant»

Development of the ultra-high sensitivity radon monitor based on electrostatic collection method

The radioactive decay of radon (Rn-222) and its progenies are significant background sources in an extremely low background environment, interfering with investigation like detecting dark matter and observing neutrinos. In this paper, a 1000 L ultra-high sensitivity radon monitor for China Jinping Underground Laboratory (CJPL) based on electrostatic collection and Au-Si surface barrier detector was developed. The monitor is capable of distinguishing Rn-220 from the energy spectrum and effectively eliminating any interference caused by Rn-220. At an absolute air humidity of 0.02 g/m3, the scale factor of the monitor is: 17.35 ± 0.88 (counts/day)/(mBq/m3). Moreover, it achieves a remarkable lower limit of detection of 0.17 mBq/m3 in a single-day measurement. These findings demonstrate the suitability of the ultra-high sensitivity radon monitor for diverse scenarios demanding stringent background requirements.

Radon decay product particle radioactivity and oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with COPD

Radon decay products include α-radiation emitting radionuclides that attach to airborne particles that have potential to promote oxidative tissue damage after inhalation. To assess associations between α-particle radioactivity (α-PR) with urinary biomarkers of oxidative tissue damage, 140 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had up to four 1-week seasonal assessments (N = 413) of indoor (home) and ambient (central site) PM2.5 and black carbon (BC). Following environmental sampling, urine samples were analyzed for total and free malondialdehyde (MDA), biomarkers of lipid oxidation, and 8-hydroxyl-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of DNA oxidative damage. Particle radioactivity was measured as α-activity on PM2.5 filter samples. Linear mixed-effects regression models adjusted for urinary creatinine and other personal characteristics were used to assess associations. Indoor α-PR was associated with an increase in 8-OhdG (8.53%; 95% CI: 3.12, 14.23); total MDA (5.59%; 95% CI: 0.20, 11.71); and free MDA (2.17%; 95% CI: 2.75, 7.35) per interquartile range (IQR) of α-PR [median 1.25 mBq/m3; IQR 0.64], similar adjusting for PM2.5 or BC. The ratio of indoor/ambient α-PR was positively associated with each biomarker and associations with ambient α-PR were positive but weaker than with indoor concentrations. These findings are consistent with a contribution of radon decay products as measured by α-PR to oxidative stress in patients with COPD, with a greater contribution of indoor radon decay products.

Measurement of soil radon concentration in Balikesir and examination of its effects on health

Most of the natural radiation originates from radon, approximately 55%. This radiation occurs because of the radioactive decay of natural uranium found in rocks, soil and water. Because radon is in gaseous form, it can easily leak into living spaces and accumulate. Inhalation of radon and radon decay products is a significant health risk factor. Considering the high mortality rate of lung cancer in our country, inhalation of high radon concentrations has been associated with the risk of lung cancer. Accurate measurement of radon levels is especially important for dose assessment of radon exposure. In this study, it was aimed to determine the natural radon concentrations in Balikesir province and districts using the active method by soil measurement using the AlphaGUARD portable radon detector, and to perform radiological risk analyzes by determining the radon levels of the region covering Balikesir Province by measuring the natural radiation emitted from the soil. As a result of the measurements, the lowest radon concentration amount was measured in Akcay district of Balikesir province and its average value is 17.65 ± 2.71 kBq/m3. The humidity in the environment is 72.34%, the average pressure is 1013.61 hPa and the average temperature is 33.02 °C. The highest radon concentration amount was measured in Havran district of Balikesir province and its average value is 66.71 ± 2.52 kBq/m3. The humidity in the environment is 58.61%, the average pressure is 1007.91 hPa and the average temperature is 31.80 °C.

Third mortality follow-up of the Mallinckrodt uranium processing workers, 1942–2019

Introduction Mallinckrodt Chemical Works was a uranium processing facility during the Manhattan Project from 1942 to 1966. Thousands of workers were exposed to low-dose-rates of ionizing radiation from external and internal sources. This third follow-up of 2514 White male employees updates cancer and noncancer mortality potentially associated with radiation and silica dust. Materials and methods Individual, annualized organ doses were estimated from film badge records (n monitored = 2514), occupational chest x-rays (n = 2514), uranium urinalysis (n = 1868), radium intake through radon breath measurements (n = 487), and radon ambient measurements (n = 1356). Silica dust exposure from pitchblende processing was estimated (n = 1317). Vital status and cause of death determination through 2019 relied upon the National Death Index and Social Security Administration Epidemiological Vital Status Service. The analysis included standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), Cox proportional hazards, and Poisson regression models. Results Vital status was confirmed for 99.4% of workers (84.0% deceased). For a dose weighting factor of 1 for intakes of uranium, radium, and radon decay products, the mean and median lung doses were 65.6 and 29.9 mGy, respectively. SMRs indicated a difference in health outcomes between salaried and hourly workers, and more brain cancer deaths than expected [SMR: 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 2.70]. No association was seen between radiation and lung cancer [hazard ratio (HR) at 100 mGy: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.78, 1.11]. The relationship between radiation and kidney cancer observed in the previous follow-up was maintained (HR at 100 mGy: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.12, 3.79). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) also increased significantly with heart dose (HR at 100 mGy: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.21). Exposures to dust ≥23.6 mg/m3-year were associated with nonmalignant kidney disease (NMKD) (HR: 3.02; 95%CI: 1.12, 8.16) and kidney cancer combined with NMKD (HR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.04, 5.81), though without evidence of a dose-response per 100 mg/m3-year. Conclusions This third follow-up of Mallinckrodt uranium processors reinforced the results of the previous studies. There was an excess of brain cancers compared with the US population, although no radiation dose-response was detected. The association between radiation and kidney cancer remained, though potentially due to few cases at higher doses. The association between levels of silica dust ≥23.6 mg/m3-year and NMKD also remained. No association was observed between radiation and lung cancer. A positive dose-response was observed between radiation and CVD; however, this association may be confounded by smoking, which was unmeasured. Future work will pool these data with other uranium processing worker cohorts within the Million Person Study.

Inter-Comparison of Radon Measurements from a Commercial Beta-Attenuation Monitor and ANSTO Dual Flow Loop Monitor

Radon (Rn) is a radioactive, colourless, odourless, noble gas that decays rapidly. It’s most stable isotope, 222Rn, has a half-life of around 3.8 days. Atmospheric radon measurements play an important role in understanding our atmospheric environments. Naturally occurring radon can be used as an atmospheric tracer for airmass tracking, to assist in modelling boundary layer development, and is important for understanding background radiation levels and personal exposure to natural radiation. The daughter products from radon decay also play an important role when measuring fine particle pollution using beta-attenuation monitors (BAM). Beta radiation from the 222Rn decay chain interferes with BAM measurements of fine particles; thus, some BAMs incorporate radon measurements into their sampling systems. BAMs are ubiquitous in air quality monitoring networks globally and present a hitherto unexplored source of dense, continuous radon measurements. In this paper, we compare in situ real world 222Rn measurements from a high quality ANSTO dual flow loop, dual filter radon detector, and the radon measurements made by a commercial BAM instrument (Thermo 5014i). We find strong correlations between systems for hourly measurements (R2 = 0.91), daily means (R2 = 0.95), hour of day (R2 = 0.72–0.94), and by month (R2 = 0.83–0.94). The BAM underestimates radon by 22–39%; however, the linear response of the BAM measurements implies that they could be corrected to reflect the ANSTO standard measurements. Regardless, the radon measurements from BAMs could be used with correction to estimate local mixed layer development. Though only a 12-month study at a single location, our results suggest that radon measurements from BAMs can complement more robust measurements from standard monitors, augment radon measurements across broad regions of the world, and provide useful information for studies using radon as a tracer, particularly for boundary layer development and airmass identification.

Radon measurement and age-independent effective dose attributed to ingestion of bottled water in Iran: sensitivity analysis

A comprehensive study was made to measure the radon concentration in bottled water available in Iran market. The 222Rn concentration in 70 bottled water samples were measured by the sniffing mode technique and RTM 1688-2 (SARAD, Germany) in immediate sampling time and 3 months later for determination of radon decay. The measured radon concentration ranged from 0.003 to 0.618 Bq L−1 in bottled water samples, which were much lower than the recommended value for radon in drinking water by WHO (100 Bq L−1) and United states environmental protection agency (USEPA) (11.1 Bq L−1). The annual effective dose of 222Rn due to ingestion bottled water was also evaluated in this research. The mean annual effective dose due to ingestion of radon in bottled water for adults, children, and infants were estimated to vary from 5.30 × 10−4 mSv−1, 4.90 × 10−4 mSv−1, and 2.15 × 10−4 mSv−1, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that the Iranian people receive no significant radiological risk due to exposure to radon concentration in bottled water brands common consumed in Iranian market.

Analysis of variations in concentration of radon decay products in near surface layer of the atmosphere

In the last few years an increase in the amplitude of seasonal pressure wave and heavy radioactive nuclides concentration at Baksan Neutrino Observatory of INR RAS in the North Caucasus is being observed. The foregoing tendency, as well as the anomalies observed in the detectors data in autumn-winter, 2017 and winter-spring, 2021 are investigated. Hypotheses of the anomalies reasons and their connection to observed trends are presented.

Analyzing Variations in the Concentration of Radon Decay Products in the Near-Surface Layer of the Atmosphere

Analyzing Variations in the Concentration of Radon Decay Products in the Near-Surface Layer of the Atmosphere