A new method for studying the transport of radon and thoron in various building materials using CR-39 and LR-115 solid state nuclear track detectors

Radon (²²²Rn) and thoron (²²⁰Rn) α-activities per unit volume were measured inside and outside different building materials by using two types of solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) (CR-39 and LR-115 type II). In addition, the radon and thoron emanation coefficients of the studied materials were evaluated. Based on these data, the transport of radon and thoron across parallelepipedic blocks of the building materials could be investigated and radon and thoron global α-activities per unit volume outside different building material blocks were determined. Moreover, the diffusion length and the effective diffusion coefficient of radon in the building materials were evaluated and the total alpha activity due to radon in the atmospheres of different rooms consisting of different building materials was studied.     

Alpha decay of the new isotopes 188,189Po

New neutron-deficient isotopes ^188,189Po have been produced in the complete fusion reaction of ⁵²Cr ions with a ¹⁴²Nd target at the velocity filter SHIP. The evaporation residues were separated in-flight and subsequently identified on the basis of α-γ and α-conversion electron coincidence measurements and of α-α position and time correlations. In ¹⁸⁹Po a ground state to ground state α decay with E_α1= 7540(20) keV, T_1/2= 5(1) ms and two fine structure α-decays at E_α2= 7264(15) keV and E_α3= 7316(15) keV have been observed. In ¹⁸⁸Po (T_1/2= 400⁺²⁰⁰ ₋₁₅₀μs) a ground state to ground state α decay at E_α= 7915(25) keV and a fine structure α decay at E_α= 7350(40) keV have been found. Improved data on the α-decay of ¹⁸⁹Bi were obtained. Received: 15 October 1999     

An approach to discriminatively determine thoron and radon emanation rates for a granular material with a scintillation cell

A powder sandwich technique was applied to determine thoron (²²⁰Rn) and radon (²²²Rn) emanation rates for a granular material. The feature of this technique is the sample preparation, in which a granular material is put and fixed between two membrane filters. Airflow is directly given to this sandwich sample, will include thoron and radon emanated from the material, and then is transferred to the detector. This method makes sure that thoron and radon emanated are not retained in pore space within the sample volume, which is crucial for the appropriate emanation test. This technique was first introduced by Kanse et al. (2013) with the intention to measure the emanation of thoron - but not of radon - from materials having much higher ²²⁴Ra activity than ²²⁶Ra. In the present study, the methodology for the discriminative determination of thoron and radon emanation rates from a granular material has been examined using a flow-through scintillation cell and sandwich sample. The mathematical model was developed to differentiate total alpha counts into thoron- and radon-associated counts. With a sample of uranium ore, this model was experimentally validated by comparison between the scintillation cell and a reference detector that can discriminatively measure thoron and radon concentrations. Furthermore, the detection limits and uncertainties were evaluated to discuss the characteristics of this method. Key parameters for improving the determination of thoron and radon emanations were found to be the background radon concentration and the leakage of radon from the measurement system, respectively. It was concluded that the present method is advantageous to a sample that has much higher ²²⁶Ra activity than ²²⁴Ra.     

A possibility of controlled variation of radioactive decay rate of atomic nuclei

An attempt of changing the radioactive decay rate of atomic nuclei due to interference of wave functions of the initial nucleus and nuclei identical to radioactive decay products has been made. The first experiments have been performed with ²¹²Po undergoing α decay with a half-life of 0.3 μs. For ²¹²Po implanted into natural metallic lead, the increase in the decay rate by ～0.2%, as compared to the decay rate of ²¹²Po in nickel, has been registered.     

Measurement of radon in air using a radon-218Po calibration curve determined by an absorptive non-volatile liquid scintillator

This work reports a novel method for determining ²²²Rn (radon) in air using a radon-²¹⁸Po calibration curve constructed by an absorbable non-volatile liquid scintillator (NVLS). The ability of this method to detect low natural concentrations of radon was confirmed from linear extrapolation of the curve between 500 and 8000 Bq/m³. The calibration curve was created from data obtained from measurements performed in a radon calibration chamber at the National Institute of Radiological Science (NIRS) by using the least-squares method. The line had high precision and stability, and the required detection time was less than that of ²¹⁴Po. An absorptive NVLS was used to collect radon and was found to be highly advantageous for α-spectrometry liquid scintillation measurements. Variations of the Ostwald coefficient due to changes in temperature and humidity, which affect radon absorption, were investigated and discussed.     

Standardization and difficulties of the thoron exhalation rate measurements using an accumulation chamber

Standardization of the thoron exhalation measurements is important for the intercomparison of the results among different laboratories. There are a few important distinctions between thoron (²²⁰Rn) and radon (²²²Rn) exhalation measurements using an accumulation chamber, due to a great difference between radon and thoron diffusion lengths in air, namely, short diffusion length of thoron indicates that it is very hard to attain homogenous distribution of the thoron concentration in an accumulation chamber of the usual dimensions, which is often neglected. It will be explained that the same model cannot be used both for radon and for thoron exhalation measurements. The results of the thoron exhalation measurements also depend on the sample thickness which must be considered. A new method for thoron exhalation measurement using an accumulation chamber is proposed. Comparisons between the existing and the proposed methods were performed on five different samples.     

Gamma-gamma directional correlations in the decay of206Po

Directional correlations of gamma-gamma cascades in the decay of²⁰⁶Po have been measured for the first time. Using a multichannel goniometer with 2 Ge(Li) and 6 NaI(Tl) detectors theA ₂ andA ₄ coefficients have been measured for five cascades in²⁰⁶Bi. From the results,E2/M1 mixing ratios of nine transitions are determined. Upper limits of the transition strengths are presented. Three of the measured mixing ratios are compared with theoretical estimates based on magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments of neighbouring nuclei.     

Alpha decay of221Rn and217Po; level structure of217Po and the213Pb ground state

Alpha recoil sources of²²¹Rn were used to study the level structure of²¹⁷Po and the ground state of²¹³Pb. The half-life of²¹⁷Po was measured to be (1.6±0.2) s. When combined with unpublished data, an alpha-decay hindrance factor (HF) of 1.3 was obtained for the alpha-decay, strongly suggesting a g_9/2 → g_9/2 transition between²¹⁷Po and²¹³Pb ground states. Alpha-gamma coincidence studies confirm the previously observed 11/2⁺ band head in²¹⁷Po. It is suggested that an unobserved 9/2⁺ ground state lies below the 11/2⁺ state in²¹⁷Po and an attempt is made to observe connecting links between these two parts of the²¹⁷Po level scheme.     

Simultaneous measurements of indoor radon and thoron and inhalation dose assessment in Douala City,Cameroon

ABSTRACT

Radon, thoron and associated progeny measurements have been carried out in 71 dwellings of Douala city, Cameroon. The radon–thoron discriminative detectors (RADUET) were used to estimate the radon and thoron concentration, while thoron progeny monitors measured equilibrium equivalent thoron concentration (EETC). Radon, thoron and thoron progeny concentrations vary from 31?±?1 to 436?±?12 Bq?m^–3, 4?±?7 to 246?±?5 Bq?m^–3, and 1.5?±?0.9 to 13.1?±?9.4 Bq?m^–3. The mean value of the equilibrium factor for thoron is estimated at 0.11?±?0.16. The annual effective dose due to exposure to indoor radon and progeny ranges from 0.6 to 9?mSv?a^–1 with an average value of 2.6?±?0.1?mSv?a^–1. The effective dose due to the exposure to thoron and progeny vary from 0.3 to 2.9?mSv?a^–1 with an average value of 1.0?±?0.4?mSv?a^–1. The contribution of thoron and its progeny to the total inhalation dose ranges from 7 to 60?% with an average value of 26?%; thus their contributions should not be neglected in the inhalation dose assessment.     

210Po in popular medicinal herbs from Poland

Herbs are an important part of traditional medicine in Poland. Therefore, the aim of this study was the determination of polonium ²¹⁰Po in 48 selected medicinal herb samples from the Polish market. The activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po were measured using alpha spectrometry. The activity concentration of ²¹⁰Po was in the range from 0.3?±?0.1 to 28.2?±?0.4 Bq kg^–1. The obtained results were compared with corresponding studies conducted worldwide. A higher ²¹⁰Po activity concentration was observed in the above-ground part of plants. The obtained results show that the highest ²¹⁰Po activity concentration was observed in evergreen plants and winter-hardy plants. Yet even infusions with 2 g of the most contaminated herbs examined were considered to be radiologically safe.     

Alpha decay theoretical calculations for 125-neutron nuclei

We have applied the new normalized and an older shell-model alpha decay theory to the calculation of decay rates of three 125-neutron isotones²⁰⁹Po,²¹¹Rn, and²¹³Ra. We also have applied the theory to the 2.1-ms isomer of²¹³Ra and are able thus to select a 17/2?assignment as preferable to the 13/2+ alternative.     

Po and Pb concentration of cigarettes traded in Hungary and their estimated dose contribution due to smoking

It is known that tobacco leaves may contain ²¹⁰Pb and ²¹⁰Po in significant concentrations. The cumulative alpha-radiation dose due to the radioactive content of inhaled cigarette smoke and the increasing number of lung cancer cases explain the importance of the investigation. The present study investigated the activity concentrations of these two radionuclides in 29 Hungarian cigarette samples. The relation between ²¹⁰Po/²¹⁰Pb activity and nicotine/tar content of these cigarettes was also examined. ²¹⁰Po was determined by alpha spectrometry using a PIPS detector after chemical leaching and spontaneous deposition of ²¹⁰Po on a high nickel-content (25%) stainless steel disk. The ²¹⁰Pb activity was calculated from the ²¹⁰Po originated from the decay of ²¹⁰Pb after a waiting period of eight months. The ²¹⁰Po activity concentrations of the measured types of cigarettes ranged from 10.0 to 33.5 mBq/cigarette, and the activity of ²¹⁰Pb varied from 9.6 to 32.5 mBq/cigarette. The average annual committed effective dose is estimated to be $185.6\pm 70.6\mathrm{\mu }\mathrm{Sv}/\mathrm{y}$ and $58.7\pm 22.7\mathrm{\mu }\mathrm{Sv}/\mathrm{y}$ due to cigarette smoking (20 cigarettes/day) for ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb, respectively.     

Thoron in the environment and its related issues

Since radon is internationally noted as the second cause of lung cancer, many countries are trying about to solve the problem worldwide. In addition, a new evidence of lung cancer risk has been recently found out with a low level below 200 Bq m⁻³. Thus the action level will have to be set lower than before. Importance of radon exposure has been further recognized and accurate radon concentrations will be required. Recently thoron has also been recognized from the viewpoint of accurate radon measurements. The present paper describes specification of the NIRS radon and thoron chambers, passive measurement technique of radon and thoron and thoron interference on radon measurements from both experimental studies and field experiences on epidemiological study area.      

Study of indoor radon and thoron progeny levels in surrounding areas of Nalbari, Assam, India

With the growing understanding of the role of radon and its daughter products as major sources of radiation exposure, the importance of large number of estimation of radon concentration in various parts of the country is realized. Inhalation of radon, thoron and their decay products is the major source of the total radioactive dose received by the human population from natural radiation. The indoor radon and thoron progeny levels in Nalbari area of Assam are studied by using the LR-115 (type II) Solid State Nuclear Track Detector in Plastic Twin Chamber dosimeter. Radon and thoron progeny levels in different types of dwellings for one full calendar year are presented in this paper. For Assam Type (A.T.) houses, indoor radon progeny concentrations vary from 0.17 to 0.64 mWL with an annual geometric mean of 0.27 mWL and that for Reinforced Cement Concrete (R.C.C.) houses vary from 0.22 mWL to 0.60 mWL with the annual geometric mean of 0.37 mWL. The thoron progeny levels in A.T. houses also vary from 0.01 to of 0.05 mWL with an annual geometric mean of 0.02 mWL and that for R.C.C. houses vary from 0.02 to 0.08 mWL with the annual geometric mean of 0.04 mWL.      

Study of the response of silicon detectors for alpha particles

Numerous radon measurements are carried out using silicon detectors directly in the environment. This new kind of alpha radiation measurement has been developed because the reduced cost makes it possible to replace the usual plastic track detectors. At our laboratory, an alpha particle detector has been designed from a commercial silicon photodiode. This type of detector can determine the device response perfectly in any kind of environment. Different spectrum analyses have been conducted in the laboratory and field to define the exact origin of counted alpha particles. We studied the response for different radon and thoron concentration levels and observed the energy of the detected alpha particles. We carried out some of these experiments with gas flux, and some without, to show the effects of interactions with surfaces to obtain thermodynamic equilibrium in the detection chamber. Finally, the silicon diodes that we tested measure the alpha particles of the decay products (polonium) from the radon and the thoron, but very weakly from the gases themselves. Thus, it is possible to make mistakes when measuring the radon if the count of alpha particles is performed without spectrum analysis. One reason for this is that the decay progenies of the radon are solid radio-elements with thermodynamic proprieties different from gases.     

Emanations and “induced” radioactivity: From mystery to (mis)use

Radon, Rn; atomic number Z=85; is a (gaseous) chemical element of which no stable but only radioactive isotopes exist. Three of them, namely actinon (²¹⁹Rn), thoron (²²⁰Rn) and radon (²²²Rn) are the decay products of naturally occurring radioisotopes of radium:²²³Ra,²²⁴Ra and²²⁶Ra, respectively. The natural Rn isotopes were discovered within the period 1899–1902 and at that time referred to as emanations because they came out (emanated) of sources/materials containing actinium, thorium and radium, respectively. The (somewhat mysterious) emanations appeared to disintegrate into radioactive decay products which by depositing at solid surfaces gave rise to “induced” radioactivity i.e. radioactive substances with various half-lives. Following the discovery of the emanations the volume of the research involving them and their disintegration products grew steeply. The identity of a number of these radioactive products was soon established. Radium- emanation was soon used as a source of RaD (²¹⁰Pb) to be applied as an “indicator” (radiotracer) for lead in a study on the solubility of lead sulphide and lead chromate. Moreover, radium and its emanation were introduced into the medical practice. Inhaling radon and drinking radon-containing water became an accepted medicinal use (or misuse?) of that gas. Shortly after the turn of the century, the healing (?) action of natural springs (spas) was attributed to their radium emanation i.e. radon. Bathing in radioactive spring water and drinking it became very popular. Even today, bathing in radon-containing water is still a common medical treatment in Jáchymov, Czech Republic.     

Die Anlagerung von Zerfallsprodukten der natürlichen Emanationen an elektrisch geladene Aerosole (Schwebstoffe)

In a previous paper an equation was derived for the attachment of the decay products of radon and thoron to aerosol particles. Considering the deposition to be solely governed bythermal diffusion (not by electrostatic forces) and assuming a quasi-stationary density distribution for the diffusing atoms, it was shown that the attached activity is proportional to

$$R^2 /(1 + h R)$$     

Radon and thoron levels,their spatial and seasonal variations in adobe dwellings – a case study at the great Hungarian plain

Radon and thoron isotopes are responsible for approximately half of the average annual effective dose to humans. Although the half-life of thoron is short, it can potentially enter indoor air from adobe walls. Adobe was a traditional construction material in the Great Hungarian Plain. Its major raw materials are the alluvial sediments of the area. Here, seasonal radon and thoron activity concentrations were measured in 53 adobe dwellings in 7 settlements by pairs of etched track detectors. The results show that the annual average radon and thoron activity concentrations are elevated in these dwellings and that the proportions with values higher than 300 Bq m^?3 are 14–17 and 29–32% for radon and thoron, respectively. The calculated radon inhalation dose is significantly higher than the world average value, exceeding 10 mSv y^?1 in 7% of the dwellings of this study. Thoron also can be a significant contributor to the inhalation dose with about 30% in the total inhalation dose. The changes of weather conditions seem to be more relevant in the variation of measurement results than the differences in the local sedimentary geology. Still, the highest values were detected on clay. Through the year, radon follows the average temperature changes and is affected by the ventilation, whereas thoron rather seems to follow the amount of precipitation.     

大气颗粒物滞留时间的确定方法及初步实验验证

通过研究大气颗粒物中222Rn子体活度比与颗粒物平均寿命之间的关系,建立了基于活度比估算大气颗粒物滞留时间(residence time of atmospheric aerosol,RTAA)的方法,并在相对理想条件下进行了实验验证.当氡室浓度稳定为1.816kBq/m3时,由214Bi/214Pb活度比计算出的RTAA为112.17min,与氡室的平均换气时间(104.17min)相当,表明大气颗粒物中同一衰变链上的放射性核素活度比(如214Bi/214Pb,210Bi/210Pb或210Po/210Pb)可以用于估算RTAA.     

NMR/ON of206BiFe produced by decay of cold implanted206Po

²⁰⁶Po was implanted into iron at T<0.2 K. After electron capture decay to²⁰⁶Bi nuclear magnetic resonance of oriented²⁰⁶BiFe was observed with an asymmetric resonance line shape. Evaluation of the data with the superposition of two Gaussian lines results in ν=693.7(2) MHz for the center frequency of the narrow one of the two lines at external field zero. From this B_hf (BiFe)=119.0(1.3) T is derived. The effective spin-lattice relaxation time of²⁰⁶BiFe at T=13 mK was measured as Ti=0.94(5) s.