Radon and thoron daughter measurements using a portable radon sniffer

Efendi, Z. and Jennings, P. (1994) Radon and thoron daughter measurements using a portable radon sniffer. Radiation Protection in Australia, 12 (1). pp. 13-17.

Abstract

A flexible version of the two-count method has been developed for use in rapid, inexpensive measurements of radon and thoron progeny working levels in residential and industrial premises in the Perth Metropolitan Area. The Method is adapted for use with a simple radon sniffer based on a low speed pump and an alpha counter. The flexibility of the method derives from the software, where some freedom is permitted in the selection of sampling times and post sampling analysis of the filters. This method has been tested on a variety of radioactive materials and it gives consistent, reliable results over a wide range of working levels. The results of a survey of Rn(222) and Rn(220) progeny levels in dwellings within the Perth Metropolitan Area are reported. This study shows that the mean concentration of indoor Rn(222) progeny was 4.7 mWL (17.4 Bq m-3 EEC) up to 23.3 mWL (86.4 Bq m-3 EEC). The mean thoron progeny concentration was 8.2 mWL (2.25 Bq m-3 EEC) with a range from 1 mWL (0.27 Bq m-3 EEC) to 64.5 mWL (17.74 Bq m-3 EEC). Using conversion factors of 0.061 mSv Bq-1 m-3 for Rn(222) progeny and 0.29 mSv Bq-1 m-3 for Rn(220) progeny respectively (UNSCEAR, 1982), it is estimated the average annual effective dose equivalent is 1.1 mSv for Rn(2220 and 0.6 mSv for Rn(220) respectively.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Publisher:	Australasian Radiation Protection Society
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/26595

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