Field experience with volume traps for assessing retrospective radon exposures

Johan Paridaens, Hans Vanmarcke, Zora Zunic, James P. McLaughlin

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    Approximately 200 volume traps were retrieved from dwellings in various radon prone areas in Europe. They were analysed for the purpose of retrospective radon assessment. Emphasis is put on specific problems encountered when using field samples as opposed to laboratory exposed samples. It was seen that in very dusty circumstances, direct penetration of radon decay products from the outside to the centre of the volume traps calls for extra caution. Rinsing the samples is proposed as a solution and was tested in field and laboratory conditions, showing good results. An attempt was made to give an assessment of the achievable accuracy of the method. Where possible, the volume trap retrospective results were compared with contemporary measurements or to retrospective results from surface traps. The overall impression is that although volume traps are sometimes hard to find in the field, the high reliability of the results makes it well worth the effort.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)295-302
    Number of pages8
    JournalScience of the Total Environment
    Volume272
    Issue number1-3
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 14 May 2001

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Environmental Engineering
    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Waste Management and Disposal
    • Pollution

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