Radon in the Environment

Radon in the Environment
Author: M. Wilkening
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 149
Release: 1990-08-27
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0080874991

Radon was discovered in 1900 but it was not until the 1950's that an awareness of its potential as a hazard to humans developed. This resulted primarily from a recognition of the high levels of exposure for uranium miners. Measurement of high concentrations of radon in homes led environmental health agencies to focus on radon as a health hazard and has resulted in concern from scientists, the medical profession and the general public. It is in this context that the author undertook the writing of this book.A need for a broader understanding of radon in the general environment in addition to that of indoors has become apparent. Since much of the author's research has to do with outdoor radon and its decay products, it seems appropriate to have a book available stressing studies on outdoor radon as well was that found indoors.This book is intended to fill a gap in our knowledge of radon concentration in the outdoor atmosphere as well as to provide results of previously published indoor measurements. In addition, work on radon decay product ion concentrations in these environments contributes a unique set of results on effects of radon and its decay products on the electrical characteristics of the atmosphere. These studies are important both from their significant contribution to human dose as well as their role in the atmospheric electrical environment.

Determination of Radon Concentration in the Air Through Measurement of Its Solid Decay Products

Determination of Radon Concentration in the Air Through Measurement of Its Solid Decay Products
Author: L. B. Lockhart (jr.)
Publisher:
Total Pages: 32
Release: 1965
Genre:
ISBN:

An analytical method was devised for the determination of the radon concentration in the air by measurement of the radioactive decay of the solid radon daughters collected on air filters during a fixed sampling period. The ratio of the radioactivity present at two periods, determined by an initial count immediately after termination of sampling and a second count an hour later, is used to estimate the extent of radioactive equilibrium established between radon and its daughters and to obtain a correction factor for relating radon daughter activity to radon activity. The disintegration rates of the various decay products of radon as a function of the age of the radon conglomerate have been calculated during the growth and collection periods and for successive 5-minute decay periods extending through the first 71 minutes following termination of filtration. A procedure for the calibration of Bata counters for the evaluation of RaB and RaC activities was established. Use was made of this analytical method to determine radon concentrations in the air near ground level. (Author).

Handbook Of Radon In Buildings

Handbook Of Radon In Buildings
Author: Mueller Associates
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 296
Release: 1988-07-01
Genre: Air
ISBN: 9780891168232

Very Good,No Highlights or Markup,all pages are intact.

Health Risks of Radon and Other Internally Deposited Alpha-Emitters

Health Risks of Radon and Other Internally Deposited Alpha-Emitters
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 623
Release: 1988-02-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309037891

This book describes hazards from radon progeny and other alpha-emitters that humans may inhale or ingest from their environment. In their analysis, the authors summarize in one document clinical and epidemiological evidence, the results of animal studies, research on alpha-particle damage at the cellular level, metabolic pathways for internal alpha-emitters, dosimetry and microdosimetry of radionuclides deposited in specific tissues, and the chemical toxicity of some low-specific-activity alpha-emitters. Techniques for estimating the risks to humans posed by radon and other internally deposited alpha-emitters are offered, along with a discussion of formulas, models, methods, and the level of uncertainty inherent in the risk estimates.

WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon

WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 111
Release: 2009
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9241547677

This handbook focuses on residential radon exposure from a public health point of view and provides detailed recommendations on reducing health risks from radon and sound policy options for preventing and mitigating radon exposure. The material in the handbook reflects the epidemiological evidence that indoor radon exposure is responsible for a substantial number of lung cancers in the general population. Information is provided on the selection of devices to measure radon levels and on procedures for the reliable measurement of these levels. Discussed also are control options for radon in new dwellings, radon reduction in existing dwellings as well as assessment of the costs and benefits of different radon prevention and remedial actions. Also covered are radon risk communication strategies and organization of national radon programs.--Publisher's description.