Radon dose estimates assisted by continuous measurements

Continuous measurements of concentrations of radon and radon decay products, and equilibrium factor were carried out in the indoor air of 12 schools at the beginning of 2000. Average values of the parameters measured, obtained during working time only and during the whole period, were compared and applied to calculate exposure of a person breathing in this air. Results of short-term continuous measurements are proposed to be used to correct the exposure, generally based on the radon concentration obtained by etched track detectors, and the justification of applying this procedure is discussed.     

Radon concentrations and absorbed dose measurements in a Pleistocenic cave

Radon concentration measurements were carried out using solid-state nuclear track-etch detectors (SSNTDs) type CA 80-15 cellulose nitrate films, in a Pleistocenic cave at Petralona, in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, at 55 km from the city of Thessaloniki. Radon levels as high as 88 kBq^.m^-3 (2.38 nCi^.l^-1) have been recorded inside the cave equivalent to 11.90 WL in terms of occupational exposure to radon and its decay products. Absorbed dose rates were performed using TL dosimeters, type TLD-200 (CaF₂-Dy) in a continuous monitoring program (integrated measurements). Dose rate levels as high as 110 nGy^.h^-1 were recorded inside the cave. In interpreting the high levels of radiation doses, radioactivity measurements regarding the naturally occurring ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K radionuclides were carried out in various speleothems found at different sites in the cave.     

Radon survey in office room and effective dose estimation for staff

This study aims to: (1) Acquire the radon level in closed office rooms, providing radon exposure data for preliminary health risk assessment of office-working population. (2) Pre-analyze the relationship between radon concentration and indoor temperature, relative humidity. (3) Estimate seasonal, annual and total radon effective dose for ordinary office-working population. The results show that the 24-h or 8-h average radon concentrations in closed office rooms were about 32.0 Bq/m³ and 29.5 Bq/m³ during detection period, and the estimated effective doses in office rooms calculated by using 24-h and 8-h average radon concentrations were all far below that in residential environment.

     

Radon concentration in drinking water in villages nearby Rafsanjan fault and evaluation the annual effective dose

Abnormal amount of radon in water results in increasing health risks. Concentrations of ²²²Rn in 56 samples of drinking water resources, in villages surrounding “Rafsanjan fault” were measured in the fall of 2013. Range radon concentration is 0 and 18.480 BqL^?1, respectively. The maximum annual effective dose for adults and children were 181.5 and 248.95 μSvY^?1, respectively, and the lowest was zero for both groups. Radon concentration is higher on the right side of the fault than the left side. In order to reduce the radon concentration, water ventilation is recommended before use.     

Radon in the environment

Based on INIS ATOMINDEX.     

Chemistry in Croatia

Science in Croatia is not in good shape. Socialism and Serbian aggression in 1991 left their marks. But in fact Croatia can look back with pride and satisfaction upon a long history in chemistry. The country presented the scientific world with two Nobel prize winners ‐ Lavoslav Ruzicka and Vladimir Prelog. Intensified international cooperation might serve to buttress Croatian chemistry, which despite its difficulties exhibits remarkable vitality.