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1.
J Environ Radioact ; 276: 107446, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38733660

ABSTRACT

Radon presents significant health risks due to its short-lived progeny. The evaluation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient is crucial for assessing the potential health effects of radon exposure. This review focuses on the uncertainty analysis of the parameters associated with the calculation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient attributed to radon inhalation in mines. This analysis is complex due to various factors, such as geological conditions, ventilation rates, and occupational practices. The literature review systematically examines the sources of radon and its health effects among underground miners. It also discusses the human respiratory tract model used to calculate the equivalent lung dose coefficient and the associated parameters leading to uncertainties in the calculated lung dose. Additionally, the review covers the different methodologies employed for uncertainty quantification and their implications on dose assessment. The text discusses challenges and limitations in current research practices and provides recommendations for future studies. Accurate risk assessment and effective safety measures in mining environments require understanding and mitigating parameter uncertainties.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Lung , Mining , Occupational Exposure , Radon , Radon/analysis , Humans , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Occupational Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Lung/radiation effects , Uncertainty , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Risk Assessment/methods , Radiation Dosage , Radiation Monitoring/methods
2.
J Radiol Prot ; 44(2)2024 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38749401

ABSTRACT

Kansas State University (KSU) Engineering Extension conducted an abridged evaluation of eight consumer grade digital radon monitors. Using the KSU secondary radon chamber, these devices were exposed to three different radon concentrations for 7 d in average household temperature and relative humidity conditions. The three different radon concentration ranges used were: 12.8 pCi L-1to 15.5 pCi L-1(473.6 Bq m-3-573.5 Bq m-3), 27.7 pCi L-1to 29.4 pCi L-1(1024.9-10 857.8 Bq m-3), and ambient room level average radon concentration of 0.6 pCi L-1(22.2 Bq m-3). The American National Standards Institute/American Academy of Radon Scientists and Technologists Performance Specifications for Instrumentation Systems Designed to Measure Radon Gas in Air (ANSI/AARST MS-PC) (ANSI/AARST MS-PC 2022Performance Specifications for Instrumentation Systems Designed to Measure Radon Gas in Air(AARST Radon Standards)) minimum performance metrics were used to evaluate the accuracy and precision of each model type for each radon concentration tested. The eight different device models performed within the 0 ± 25% requirement for the individual percent error (IPE) for radon concentrations between 27.7 pCi L-1and 29.4 pCi L-1(1024.9-10 857.8 Bq m-3). For radon concentrations between 12.8 pCi L-1and 15.5 pCi L-1(444-592 Bq m-3) seven of the eight monitors fell within the IPE requirement and for ambient room radon concentrations six of the eight monitors fell within the IPE requirement for the ANSI/AARST MS-PC minimum performance requirement (ANSI/AARST MS-PC 2022Performance Specifications for Instrumentation Systems Designed to Measure Radon Gas in Air(AARST Radon Standards)) ranges. All eight device models fell within the ± 15% ANSI/AARST MS-PC minimum performance requirement (ANSI/AARST MS-PC 2022Performance Specifications for Instrumentation Systems Designed to Measure Radon Gas in Air(AARST Radon Standards)) coefficient of variation (CV) range for radon concentrations between 12.8 pCi L-1and 15.5 pCi L-1(444-592 Bq m-3) and for radon concentrations between 27.7 pCi L-1and 29.4 pCi L-1(1024.9-10 857.8 Bq m-3). In the future, evaluating the performance of these models over time to observe their long term accuracy and precision is anticipated.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Radon/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/instrumentation , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Equipment Design
3.
J Environ Radioact ; 276: 107439, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38692068

ABSTRACT

Radionuclides from the reactor accident Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were observed in the airborne aerosols at CTBT International Monitoring System (IMS) stations (MRP43, CMP13) in Africa. The maximum activity concentrations in the air measured in Mauritania were 186.44 10-6 Bq.m-3, 264.16 10-6 Bq.m-3 and 1269.94 10-6 Bq.m-3 for 134Cs, 137Cs and 131I respectively, and in Cameroon 16.42 10-6 Bq.m-3, 25.53 10-6 and 37.58 10-6 Bq.m-3 respectively for 134Cs, 137Cs and 131I. The activity ratio of 134Cs/137Cs is almost constant throughout the period of time relevant to this study due to their long half-lives of 30.2 years for 137Cs and 2.06 years for 134Cs. Whereas the 131I/137Cs activity ratio varies in time according to the radioactive decay with a half-live of 8.06 days for 131I and different removal rates of both radionuclides from the atmosphere during transport. The EMAC atmospheric chemistry-general circulation was used to simulate the emission and transport of the isotope 137Cs and map the deposition of the 137Cs deposition over Africa.


Subject(s)
Aerosols , Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Cesium Radioisotopes , Fukushima Nuclear Accident , Radiation Monitoring , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Aerosols/analysis , Cesium Radioisotopes/analysis , Atmosphere/chemistry , Iodine Radioisotopes/analysis , Nuclear Power Plants , Africa
4.
J Radiol Prot ; 44(2)2024 Apr 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38632901

ABSTRACT

The high radon concentrations measured in the indoor air of groundwater facilities and the prevalence of the problem have been known for several years. Unlike in other workplaces, in groundwater plants, radon is released into the air from the water treatment processes. During the measurements of this study, the average radon concentrations varied from 500 to 8800 Bq m-3. In addition, the indoor air of the treatment plants is filtered and there are no significant internal aerosol sources. However, only a few published studies on groundwater plants have investigated the properties of the radon progeny aerosol, such as the equilibrium factor (F) or the size distribution of the aerosol, which are important for assessing the dose received by workers. Moreover, the International Commission on Radiological Protection has not provided generic aerosol parameter values for dose assessment in groundwater treatment facilities. In this study, radon and radon progeny measurements were carried out at three groundwater plants. The results indicate surprisingly high unattached fractions (fp= 0.27-0.58), suggesting a low aerosol concentration in indoor air. The correspondingFvalues were 0.09-0.42, well below those measured in previous studies. Based on a comparison of the effective dose rate calculations, either the determination of thefpor, with certain limitations, the measurement of radon is recommended. Dose rate calculation based on the potential alpha energy concentration alone proved unreliable.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Groundwater , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Humans , Radon Daughters/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Radon/analysis , Aerosols , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
5.
J Environ Radioact ; 275: 107427, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581980

ABSTRACT

Dust is an important source of atmospheric pollution, and quantitative estimation of desert dust transport is crucial for air pollution control. In this study, five typical sandy soil profiles in the Tengger Desert were collected and analyzed for 239,240Pu concentration and 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratios in order to identify the source of 239,240Pu in this area and explore the sedimentary characteristics of dust in different profiles. The results revealed that the concentrations of 239,240Pu in the soil profiles were between 0.002 and 0.443 mBq/g with an exception of the deep layer soil at one site. The measured atomic ratios of 240Pu/239Pu are at the global atmospheric fallout level with a mean of 0.184 ± 0.020, indicating that global fallout is the dominant source of plutonium in this region. The total inventories of 239,240Pu in the reference sites in this area were estimated to be 39.2-44.6 Bq/m2, this is in agreement with the value from the global fallout of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests at the similar latitude (30-40 °N: 42 Bq/m2). The estimated erosion rate in the erosion profile utilizing soil erosion intensity mode is 2491 t/km2/yr and the soil erosion depth is 9.86 cm, While, the stacking rate of the accumulation profile is 1383 t/km2/yr, and the depth of accumulation is estimated to be 5.48 cm. The difference between the erosion and accumulation profiles indicated that approximately 1107 t/km2/yr of dust was exported from the Gobi landform area of the Tengger Desert, which might be transported long distance in the downwind direction.


Subject(s)
Desert Climate , Dust , Plutonium , Radiation Monitoring , Soil Pollutants, Radioactive , Plutonium/analysis , Dust/analysis , China , Soil Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Radioactive Fallout/analysis
6.
J Environ Radioact ; 276: 107440, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38669858

ABSTRACT

The radiation dose of workers in underground uranium mines mainly comes from radon and radon progeny. To ensure a healthy and safe work environment, it is necessary and urgent to optimize the design of ventilation systems. As such, based on the simplified radon diffusion-advection migration model of the rocks, this paper proposes 1) two methods for determining the radon exhalation rate modified by pressure drop, 2) three methods for calculating radon activity concentration of single-branch, and 3) the novel adjustment algorithm and solving procedures for calculating and adjusting the radon activity concentration in ventilation networks by modifying the radon exhalation rate, demonstrated on a specific ventilation network in a simulated underground uranium mine with calculation and analysis via MATLAB. The results show that 1) the radon exhalation rate of different branches can be modified by their pressure drop, and 2) the proposed method can be used to reveal the influences of different ventilation methods and fan pressures on the radon activity concentration in the ventilation network and the radon release rate to the atmosphere.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Mining , Models, Theoretical , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Uranium , Ventilation , Radon/analysis , Uranium/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data , Occupational Exposure/analysis
7.
J Environ Manage ; 356: 120675, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38493642

ABSTRACT

Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the soil and is harmful to the environment and health. However, the measuring the amount of radon flowing is challenging. This study reveals the mechanism responsible for radon transportation and concentration variation, the main driving forces acting, and the key factors operating in the vadose zone. In this study, two separate holes were used to monitor the amount of earth-air and radon flowing in and out of the soil in the extremely arid region in China where the Mogao Grottoes are located. Using a closed-system model, the quantity, characteristics, and regularity of the flow of earth-air and radon were thus determined on daily and yearly timescales. The same patterns of variation in earth-air flow and radon concentration were found at the two sites, both depending on the variation in the atmospheric pressure (AP). When the AP decreases, earth-air flows out from the soil with a high radon concentration. Conversely, when the AP increases, earth-air enters into the soil with a low radon concentration. Thus, radon is continuously emitted from the soil. The concentration of radon in the earth-air is proportional to the rate of flow of earth-air and therefore increases as the AP decreases. The radon emission also varies with the seasonal variation in temperature and AP, which is high in summer and low in winter. On a daily timescale, the radon varies in a bimodal manner. Therefore, the net amount of radon emitted from the soil is positively correlated with the amplitude of the AP fluctuation, temperature, soil porosity, and thickness of the vadose zone. The atmospheric pumping is the main driving force responsible for the radon emission. However, the surface closure, landform, cracks, faults, grain size, pore structure, soil adsorption, basal uranium/radium, salts, wind, lunar cycle, latitude and altitude have important effects on the number of radon emission. As such, it provides a scientific basis for the effective utilization of radon and prevention of its emission from soil.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Soil Pollutants, Radioactive , Radon/analysis , Seasons , Temperature , Wind , Soil , Soil Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis
8.
Radiat Prot Dosimetry ; 200(6): 544-553, 2024 Apr 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38446413

ABSTRACT

Our work investigated the radioprotection implications associated with the possession of a collection of uraniferous minerals. Considering different scenarios, we developed (and applied to an actual collection) specific formulas for radiation doses evaluation. We discussed the shielding necessary to reduce the gamma irradiation down to the required values. A mathematical model was developed to estimate the minimum air flow rate to reduce the radon air concentration below the reference values. The radiation risks associated to the handling of single specimens was also addressed, including hand skin irradiation and shielding capabilities of surgical lead gloves. Finally, we discussed the radiation risks associated to the exhibition of a single specimen. The results, compared to the safety standards of the EU Directive 13/59, show that the exhibition of uraniferous samples with activity of a few MBq do not need specific radioprotection requirements nor for the involved personnel nor for visitors.


Subject(s)
Occupational Exposure , Radiation Monitoring , Radiation Protection , Radiation Protection/standards , Radiation Protection/methods , Humans , Occupational Exposure/analysis , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Radiation Dosage , Minerals/analysis , Gamma Rays , Radon/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Uranium/analysis , Models, Theoretical
9.
J Environ Radioact ; 274: 107410, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38457870

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the exposures received by firefighters engaged in extinguishing the large-scale wildfires in the most contaminated areas of the Ukrainian part of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone in 2016 and 2020. The assessments are based on measurements of radionuclide airborne concentrations in the breathing zones of workers and at the aerosol sampling stations of the automated radiation monitoring system operated by SSE Ecocenter. During the wildfires, the radionuclide airborne concentrations increased by orders of magnitude compared to the background levels, reaching maximum values in the firefighting area of 1.20 ± 0.01 Bq m-3 for 90Sr, 0.18 ± 0.01 Bq m-3 for 137Cs, (1.8 ± 0.3) ∙10-4 Bq m-3 for 238Pu, (4.5 ± 0.7) ∙10-4 Bq m-3 for 239-240Pu, and (8.0 ± 1.3) ∙10-3 Bq m-3 for 241Pu. The internal effective doses to firefighters due to inhaled radionuclides did not exceed 2 µSv h-1 and were 3-5 times lower compared to the external dose of gamma radiation. Thus, the time of firefighting in the ChEZ will be limited by the external dose.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Chernobyl Nuclear Accident , Firefighters , Radiation Monitoring , Wildfires , Humans , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis
10.
Radiat Prot Dosimetry ; 200(6): 617-622, 2024 Apr 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38516732

ABSTRACT

Passive diffusion radon monitoring devices were exposed to a range of radon concentrations and their variations. The experimental results, backed up by the statistical analysis, showed that the radon concentration had virtually no effect on the final integrated exposure results, with the exception for the very low concentration. Therefore, it was proven that such devices are truly integrated exposure devices.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Radon/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/instrumentation , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Humans , Equipment Design , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis
11.
J Environ Radioact ; 275: 107416, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38520991

ABSTRACT

In September 2017, numerous measurement stations recorded large surface concentrations of Ru106 in Europe. This event was well recorded by various monitoring stations worldwide and offer a valuable framework to compare the modelling strategies deployed to quickly evaluate where the plume goes and with what concentrations. In general, the source and its intensity are not known and hypotheses have to be done. Models have to be fast and accurate: Lagrangian and Eulerian are often used but rarely compared. In this study, the FLEXPART Lagrangian model and the WRF-CHIMERE Eulerian models are used to simulate the emissions, transport and deposition of this source of Ru106. First, it is shown that the hypothesis of location, timing and intensity of the source is realistic, by comparison to surface measurements. Second, sensitivity analysis performed with the Eulerian model and several transport scheme showed that this model may provide better results than the Lagrangian one. It opens the door to further development, including chemistry and mixing with other pollutants during these specific events.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Atmosphere , Radiation Monitoring , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Atmosphere/chemistry , Ruthenium , Models, Theoretical , Models, Chemical , Europe
12.
J Environ Radioact ; 275: 107414, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38531199

ABSTRACT

Filtration media used to quantify particulate and gaseous releases have been collected from Hartlepool Power Station in the United Kingdom and measured using high-sensitivity gamma-spectrometry systems. Radionuclides that are relevant to the monitoring regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) have been detected. Results are reported and compared to detections recorded on the International Monitoring System (IMS). Time series activity plots have been produced and results interpreted with respect to known plant activities. The reported results improve the understanding of trace-level radionuclide emissions from Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs) and aid interpretation of IMS measurements. This work is being performed as part of the Xenon Environmental Nuclide Analysis at Hartlepool (XENAH) collaboration between the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE, UK), EDF Energy (UK), Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, US) and the Swedish Defence Agency (FOI, Sweden).


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Radiation Monitoring , Spectrometry, Gamma , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Radiation Monitoring/instrumentation , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Spectrometry, Gamma/methods , United Kingdom , Filtration , Xenon Radioisotopes/analysis , Nuclear Reactors
13.
Appl Radiat Isot ; 207: 111265, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38432033

ABSTRACT

This study involved the assessment of 222Rn concentrations in liquid samples (namely serum and urine) obtained from individuals who were smokers and non-smokers across five distinct age groups in the Najaf Governorate of Iraq. The measurements were conducted using a portable digital Air Things device commonly employed for detecting radon gas in residential environments. This device was placed in a container that is placed in liquid samples, which makes it work to capture the existing radon. The mean value of radon concentrations in serum and urine samples for smokers was 5.64 ± 2.80 Bq/m3 and 3.56 ± 2.31 Bq/m3, respectively. While, the mean value of radon concentrations in serum and urine samples for non-smokers was 2.32 ± 0.67 Bq/m3 and 1.61 ± 1.00 Bq/m3, respectively. By comparing the radon concentrations for serum and urine samples with age and smoking groups, the value of P-Value (p < 0.01) was increased significantly statistically. Also, it is found that a positive and good correlation for radon concentrations between serum and urine. Although the levels of radon were found to be under the globally accepted thresholds, the results of 222Rn in all samples of serum and urine in smokers were higher than in non-smokers. Thus, it may be concluded that cigarette smoking is used as a biomarker of the presence of radon gas.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Humans , Radon/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Housing , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Environment , Radiation Monitoring/methods
14.
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int ; 31(13): 20277-20292, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38372915

ABSTRACT

Indoor radon source potential from unground soil was monitored using prototype devices approaching a dwelling with a cellar basement at 1 depth from the soil-atmosphere interface. Therefore, the radon concentrations in soil gas were monitored at 1 m depth. Integrated radon measurements were performed, and the results correlated with meteorological parameters. The influence of the difference in outdoor and device-soil temperature was considered, and the infiltration rate was calculated. The effect of the soil temperature gradient on the soil radon entry rate was evaluated. The indoor radon entry rate due to the soil gas was 7.0 ± 2.7 Bq m-3 h-1. The radon entry rate was 5.0 ± 0.8 Bq m-3 h-1 due to diffusion. In contrast, the advection-drive flow of soil gas is ranged up to ± 4.0 Bq m-3 h-1. So, the infiltration rate of the model dwelling was 0.7 (± 0.5) × 10-1 h-1 if only the stack effect occurred. The radon levels in tap water were measured, and the radon entry rate was estimated at 1.3 ± 0.7 Bq m-3 h-1. If the ventilation rate is low or seismic faulting appears, the soil radon entry is increased by one order of magnitude. The soil radon appeared like the building materials, having 1/3 of the total indoor radon entry, while outdoor air was slightly lower (28%), with tap water at 5%. The resident's mortality risk occurred at < 2.5% for typical dwellings in temperate climate areas founded on sand-gravel underground. The risk rises to 34% with an extremely low ventilation rate between indoors and outdoors or high radon entry from the soil due to seismic faulting.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Radon/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Soil , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Water , Housing
15.
J Environ Radioact ; 273: 107379, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38310651

ABSTRACT

Current nuclear facility emergency planning zones (EPZs) are based on outdated distance-based criteria, predating comprehensive dose and risk-informed frameworks. Recent advancements in simulation tools have permitted the development of site-specific, dose, and risk-based consequence-driven assessment frameworks. This study investigated the computation of advanced reactor (AR) EPZs using two atmospheric dispersion models: a straight-line Gaussian plume model (GPM) and a semi-Lagrangian Particle in Cell (PIC). Two case studies were conducted: (1) benchmarking the NRC SOARCA study for the Peach Bottom Nuclear Generating Station and (2) analyzing an advanced INL Heat Pipe Design A microreactor's end-of-cycle inventory. The dose criteria for both cases were 10 mSv at mean weather conditions and 50 mSv at 95th percentile weather conditions at 96 h post-release. Results demonstrated that GPM and PIC estimated similar mean peak dose levels for large boiling water reactors in the farfield case, placing EPZ limits beyond current regulations. For ARs with source terms remaining in the nearfield, PIC modeling without specific nearfield considerations could result in excessively high doses and inaccurate EPZ designations. PIC dispersion demonstrated an order of magnitude higher estimate of nearfield inhalation dose contribution when compared to GPM results. Both models significantly reduced EPZ sizing within the nearfield. Thus, reductions in the AR source term may eliminate the need for a separate EPZ.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Radiation Monitoring , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Radioisotopes/analysis , Computer Simulation , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Weather
16.
J Environ Radioact ; 274: 107401, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38412700

ABSTRACT

Fifty-five years of radiocarbon variation studies are reviewed with an emphasis on a better understanding of the impacts of the Bohunice nuclear power plant and fossil fuel CO2 on the atmosphere and biosphere of Slovakia. The maximum Δ14C levels in the air up to about 1200‰ were observed during the 1970s at the Zlkovce monitoring station, which after 2005 decreased to <30‰. A relative decrease in the atmospheric Δ14C levels due to increasing levels of fossil CO2 in the atmosphere has also been significant, for example, in Bratislava down to about -330‰, but after 2005 they were only <50‰ below the Jungfraujoch European clean-air level. The tree-ring data, averaging the annual Δ14C levels for several stations in Slovakia, have been in agreement with the atmospheric data, as well as with the newly established clean-air station at Jasná in central Slovakia. Future 14C levels will depend strongly on fossil CO2 levels in the atmosphere, which will change the bomb 14C era to the fossil CO2 era. New investigations of 14C variations in the atmosphere-biosphere-hydrosphere compartments represent a great challenge for radiocarbon science, important for better understanding of environmental processes, climate change, and impacts of human activities on the total environment. This new era of radiocarbon research will also need new developments in radiocarbon analytical technologies, as further progress in accuracy and precision of results (<1‰) will be needed to meet the new radiocarbon challenges.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollutants , Radiation Monitoring , Humans , Slovakia , Carbon Dioxide , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Nuclear Power Plants , Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods
17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 3640, 2024 02 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38409201

ABSTRACT

Repetitive, long-term inhalation of radioactive radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer, with exposure differences being a function of geographic location, built environment, personal demographics, activity patterns, and decision-making. Here, we examine radon exposure disparities across the urban-to-rural landscape, based on 42,051 Canadian residential properties in 2034 distinct communities. People living in rural, lower population density communities experience as much as 31.2% greater average residential radon levels relative to urban equivalents, equating to an additional 26.7 Bq/m3 excess in geometric mean indoor air radon, and an additional 1 mSv/year in excess alpha radiation exposure dose rate to the lungs for occupants. Pairwise and multivariate analyses indicate that community-based radon exposure disparities are, in part, explained by increased prevalence of larger floorplan bungalows in rural areas, but that a majority of the effect is attributed to proximity to, but not water use from, drilled groundwater wells. We propose that unintended radon gas migration in the annulus of drilled groundwater wells provides radon migration pathways from the deeper subsurface into near-surface materials. Our findings highlight a previously under-appreciated determinant of radon-induced lung cancer risk, and support a need for targeted radon testing and reduction in rural communities.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Groundwater , Lung Neoplasms , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Humans , Radon/adverse effects , Radon/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Rural Population , Housing , Canada , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Lung Neoplasms/etiology
18.
PLoS One ; 19(2): e0299072, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38412163

ABSTRACT

This study uses CR-39 radon detectors to examine radon distributions, seasonal indoor radon variations, correction factors, and the influence of building materials and characteristics on indoor radon concentration in 120 dwellings. The study also determines the spatial distribution of radon levels using the ArcGIS geostatistical method. Radon detectors were exposed in bedrooms from April to July (RS), August to November (DS); December to March (HS), and January-December (YS) from 2021 to 2022. The result for the radon levels during the weather seasons were; 32.3 to 190.1 Bqm-3 (80.9 ± 3.2 Bq/m3) for (RS), 30.8 to 151.4 Bqm-3 (68.5 ± 2.7 Bqm-3) for HS and 24.8 to 112.9 Bqm-3(61.7 ± 2.1 Bqm-3) for DS, and 25.2 to 145.2 Bq/m3 (69.4 ± 2.7 Bqm-3). The arithmetic mean for April to July season was greater than August to November. The correction factors associated with this study ranged from 0.9 to 1.2. The annual effective dose (AE) associated with radon data was varied from 0.6 to 4.04 mSv/y (1.8 ± 0.1 mSv/y). The April to July period which was characterized by rains recorded the highest correlation coefficient and indoor radon concentration. Distribution and radon mapping revealed radon that the exposure to the occupant is non-uniformly spread across the studied dwellings. 15.4% of the studied data exceeded WHO reference values of 100 Bq/m3. The seasonal variation, dwelling age, and building materials were observed to have a substantial impact on the levels of radon concentration within the buildings.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Radon/analysis , Seasons , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Ghana , Weather , Housing , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis
19.
Radiat Prot Dosimetry ; 200(5): 437-447, 2024 Apr 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38226499

ABSTRACT

In this study, the activity concentrations of radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and thoron progeny were measured simultaneously in Djeno (Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo) using RADUET detectors to evaluate the air quality and the radiological risks due to the inhalation of these radionuclides. Activity concentrations of radon progeny were calculated from those of radon. Indoor radon, thoron and progenies followed a lognormal distribution ranging between 20 and 40, 6 and 62, 8 and 17.6 and 0.4 and 19.6 Bq m-3 for radon, thoron, radon progeny and thoron progeny, respectively. Mean values for radon were lower than the worldwide values estimated by the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), which are 40 Bq m-3 (arithmetic mean) and 45 Bq m-3 (geometric mean). Radon concentrations in the dwellings under study were below the World Health Organization and the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommended reference levels, which are, respectively, 100 and 300 Bq m-3. The mean concentration of thoron was twice the world average value of 10 Bq m-3 estimated by UNSCEAR. Thoron progeny mean concentration was sharply greater than the typical value (0.3 Bq m-3) for indoor atmosphere provided by UNSCEAR. Annual effective dose ranges were 0.40-0.87 mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.57 ± 0.11 mSv) for radon and 0.10-4.14 mSv (arithmetic mean, 0.55 ± 0.77 mSv) for thoron. The mean value for radon was lower than the value (1.15 mSv) estimated by UNSCEAR, while the mean value for thoron was five times higher than the UNSCEAR value (0.10 mSv). The study showed that the use of the typical equilibrium factor value given by UNSCEAR to compute effective dose led to an error above 80%. Finally, the results of this study showed that the excess relative risk of radon-induced cancer was low, below 2% for the population under 55 y. The results presented in the present study prove that the population of Djeno is exposed to a relatively low potential risk of radon- and thoron-induced cancer.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Air Pollution, Indoor , Neoplasms , Radiation Monitoring , Radon , Radon/analysis , Radon Daughters/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Congo , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Housing , Risk Assessment
20.
J Environ Radioact ; 273: 107383, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38237239

ABSTRACT

Many countries are considering nuclear power as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the IAEA (IAEA, 2022) has forecasted nuclear power growth rates up to 224% of the 2021 level by 2050. Nuclear power plants release trace quantities of radioxenon, an inert gas that is also monitored because it is released during nuclear explosive tests. To better understand how nuclear energy growth (and resulting Xe emissions) could affect a global nonproliferation architecture, we modeled daily releases of radioxenon isotopes used for nuclear explosion detection in the International Monitoring System (IMS) that is part of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty: 131mXe, 133Xe, 133mXe, and 135Xe to examine the change in the number of potential radioxenon detections as compared to the 2021 detection levels. If a 40-station IMS network is used, the potential detections of 133Xe in 2050 would range from 82% for the low-power scenario to 195% for the high-power scenario, compared to the detections in 2021. If an 80-station IMS network is used, the potential detections of 133Xe in 2050 would range from 83% of the 2021 detection rate for the low-power scenario to 209% for the high-power scenario. Essentially no detections of 131mXe and 133mXe are expected. The high growth scenario could lead to a 2.5-fold increase in 135Xe detections, but the total number of detections is still small (on the order of 1 detection per day in the entire network). The higher releases do not pose a health issue, but better automated methods to discriminate between radioactive xenon released from industrial sources and nuclear explosions will be needed to offset the higher workload for people who perform the monitoring.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants, Radioactive , Radiation Monitoring , Humans , Xenon Radioisotopes/analysis , Air Pollutants, Radioactive/analysis , Radiation Monitoring/methods , Xenon/analysis , Isotopes
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