Involving schoolchildren in radon surveys by means of the “RadonTest” online system

• Published in: Journal of environmental radioactivity 2020-06, Vol.217, p.106215-106215, Article 106215
• Main Authors: Tsapalov, A., Kovler, K., Shpak, M., Shafir, E., Golumbic, Y., Peri, A., Ben-Zvi, D., Baram-Tsabari, A., Maslov, T., Schrire, O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollutants, Radioactive; Charcoal method; Indoor radon; Israel; Online map; Online Systems; Radiation Monitoring; Radon; Schoolchildren; Survey; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0265-931X; 1879-1700
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106215

A ‘citizen science’ approach was evaluated as an approach to organize an extensive radon survey to be representative of the population of either single regions or a whole country. The “RadonTest” online system allowed schoolchildren to undertake and record short-term radon tests in their homes. Measurements were carried out in Israel using charcoal in miniature flacons and simple detectors with high sensitivity. Among other things, the “RadonTest” online system implements an alternative principle of building a radon map, allowing the display of radon tests more clearly than the traditional approach, while ensuring the confidentiality of test participants. Examples of public radon maps are presented, and the first test results are discussed. A scientifically based approach for the effective identification of buildings with a high radon concentration, based on the principle of radon regulation, is proposed. •The “RadonTest” online system is a cloud service, can be used everywhere.•The system builds online database and radon map with automatic geolocation.•Can serve different test methods: charcoal, SSNTD, electrets, continuous monitoring.•User-friendly system: even school children can easily test radon in their homes.•The involvement of school children contributes to the awareness about radon risks.