Combination of geological data and radon survey results for radon mapping

• Published in: Journal of environmental radioactivity 2012-10, Vol.112, p.1-3
• Main Authors: Zhukovsky, Michael, Yarmoshenko, Ilia, Kiselev, Sergey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis; Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis; Buildings; Environmental Exposure; Geology; Humans; Radiation Monitoring - methods; Radon; Radon - analysis; Radon mapping; Radon prone areas; Russia; Soil Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis; Water Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis
• ISSN: 0265-931X; 1879-1700
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.02.013

The typical method of radon mapping usually used in most countries is the presenting of average radon concentrations in dwellings for districts or regions. Sometimes the maps of radon concentrations in the soil or maps of percentage above the reference level also demonstrated. Such approach not always can be used for identification of the regions with high probability of radon exposure above the reference levels where the population density is low. The combination of archive geological data and the results of representative radon survey allow estimating the typical parameters of radon concentration distribution for selected categories of buildings (multi-storey or rural type houses) situated in geological zones with the different radon potential. In this case it is possible to give grounds for the necessary level of radon protection measures in the new buildings constructed in this region. The use of such approach in Ural region of Russia is demonstrated. ► The combination of geological data and radon survey results for radon mapping is suggested. ► The primary influencing factors are: radon potential of territory and type of building. ► Combination of geological data and radon survey results allows estimating population radon doses.