Optimized method for individual radon progeny measurement based on alpha spectrometry following the Wicke method

Parameter uncertainty analysis of the equivalent lung dose coefficient for the intake of radon in mines: A review

Radon presents significant health risks due to its short-lived progeny. The evaluation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient is crucial for assessing the potential health effects of radon exposure. This review focuses on the uncertainty analysis of the parameters associated with the calculation of the equivalent lung dose coefficient attributed to radon inhalation in mines. This analysis is complex due to various factors, such as geological conditions, ventilation rates, and occupational practices. The literature review systematically examines the sources of radon and its health effects among underground miners. It also discusses the human respiratory tract model used to calculate the equivalent lung dose coefficient and the associated parameters leading to uncertainties in the calculated lung dose. Additionally, the review covers the different methodologies employed for uncertainty quantification and their implications on dose assessment. The text discusses challenges and limitations in current research practices and provides recommendations for future studies. Accurate risk assessment and effective safety measures in mining environments require understanding and mitigating parameter uncertainties.

A new methodology based on TRU resin to measure U-, Th-isotopes and 210Po by alpha-particle spectrometry

This report presents a new methodology to isolate and measure ²¹⁰Po, as well as uranium and thorium isotopes. This new methodology reduces the standard time of operation, the minimum amount of chemical reagents and the quantity of resin used in comparison with other standard and well-established procedures for alpha spectrometry. Thus, the amount of chemicals reagent was lower than the amount used in other standard radiochemical processes: only 6 mL of 1 M HCl was used for the thorium elution, and 2 mL of H₂O and 1 mL of Ammonium Oxalate (0.05 M) (3 mL in total) for the uranium elution. Likewise, many samples of various activities and materials (liquids and solids) were used to validate the method.

FIELD MEASUREMENT OF THE UNATTACHED FRACTION AND ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION RATIO OF RADON PROGENY IN TYPICAL DWELLINGS

The unattached fraction (fp) and activity concentration ratio of radon progeny (${\boldsymbol C}_{{}{}^{\bf 218}\bf{Po}}:{\boldsymbol C}_{{}{}^{\bf 214}\bf{Pb}}:{\boldsymbol C}_{{}{}^{\bf 214}\bf{Bi}}$) are important for radon exposure dose evaluation. For getting these characteristic parameters in dwellings, a series of field measurement was carried out. For comparison, a semi-continuous measurement was carried out in an office room and outdoors. Results show that the average fp is 4.5% ± 2.2% and 3.8% ± 1.7% in city dwellings and in rural dwellings, respectively. The average activity concentration ratios are 1:0.94:0.70 for radon progeny and 1:0.07:0.06 for unattached radon progeny in city dwellings, while those in rural dwellings are 1:0.88:0.66 and 1:0.09:0.07. The average values of fp are 5.1% ± 0.9% and 5.4% ± 3.1% in the office room and in outdoors without significant difference. The average activity concentration ratios are 1:0.88:0.77 for radon progeny and 1:0.11:0.11 for unattached radon progeny in outdoors.