Comparative survey of outdoor, residential and workplace radon concentrations

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry 2015-02, Vol.163 (3), p.325-332
• Main Authors: Barros, Nirmalla, Field, Dan W, Steck, Daniel J, Field, R William
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis; Air Pollution, Indoor - statistics & numerical data; Air Pollution, Radioactive - analysis; Air Pollution, Radioactive - statistics & numerical data; Computer Simulation; Housing - statistics & numerical data; Missouri; Models, Statistical; Occupational Exposure - analysis; Occupational Exposure - statistics & numerical data; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Monitoring - statistics & numerical data; Radon - analysis; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Workplace - statistics & numerical data
• ISSN: 0144-8420; 1742-3406
• DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncu185

This study investigated radon concentrations in above-ground (i.e. first floor) workplace in Missouri and compared them with above-ground radon concentrations in nearby homes and outdoor locations. This study also examined the potential utility of using home and outdoor radon concentrations to predict the radon concentration at a nearby workplace (e.g. county agencies and schools). Even though workplace radon concentrations were not statistically different from home radon concentrations, the radon concentration at a particular home, or outdoor location, was a poor predictor of the radon concentration at a nearby workplace. Overall, 9.6 and 9.9 % of homes and workplace, respectively, exhibited radon concentrations of ≥148 Bq m(-3). Because of the percentage of workplace with elevated radon concentrations, the results suggest that additional surveys of workplace radon concentrations are needed, especially in areas of high radon potential, to assess the contribution of workplace radon exposure to an individual's overall radon exposure.