Etched track radiometers in radon measurements: a review

Approaches for reduction of the temperature bias on radon detectors packed in anti-thoron polymer membranes

Passive and active detectors used for radon (²²²Rn) measurements can be influenced by thoron (²²⁰Rn). Polyethylene membranes are very appropriate diffusion barriers for anti-thoron protection of such detectors. However, if not properly chosen, these membranes may not reduce efficiently the thoron influence or could introduce temperature bias in the radon sensitivity of the detectors. In this work three approaches are proposed dealing with the thoron influence and the temperature bias introduced by packing in polymer membranes. The approaches exploit a model of the radon and thoron diffusion transport through the membranes and the already known diffusion properties of the membranes to estimate the thoron influence and the temperature bias and to take them into account. The approaches are experimentally verified. It is shown that, in some cases, with the proper choice of membrane the thoron influence could be reduced down to few percents introducing only a few percents temperature bias. Additionally, in the cases when temperature bias is significant and cannot be avoided (the thoron bias in that cases is shown to be below 1%), the proposed approaches allow to estimate and to correct that bias.

Radon alpha track counting on solid state nuclear track detector by an ImageJ-based software macro

Radon (²²²Rn) is a radioactive gas emanating from geological materials. Inhalation of this gas is closely related to an increase in the probability of lung cancer if the levels are high. The usual methodology for the quantification of radon by passive methods is the use of etched solid-state nuclear track detectors, frequently in combination with optical microscopes or image scanning for image acquisition and software-based image processing for track counting. Currently available commercial instrumentation, as the Radosys microscopy system, is quite expensive, so the development of alternative methodologies is desirable. In this work, a simple, fast and low-cost image acquisition system for the determination of tracks in chemically etched CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors to quantify ²²²Rn alpha tracks has been proposed. The image of the detector surface is obtained by a conventional light stereoscopic microscope, transmitted by a CCD camera into the computer, and analyzed by the ImageJ open-source software. This methodology was employed to analyze 45 samples collected in dwellings and caves located in the region of Extremadura (Southwest Spain). Results show a good correlation coefficient of r² = 0.98 between the reference and purposed methodology and excellent repeatability, demonstrating that the system enables routine counting tracks for radon measurement as an alternative to the Radosys microscopy instrument.

Updates to TRACK_TEST and TRACK_VISION Computer Programs

The computer programs TRACK_TEST and TRACK_VISION were previously developed to model profiles and optical appearances of tracks developed in solid-state nuclear track detectors. The programs were based on a track development model that involved the bulk etch rate Vb and the track etch rate Vt or the V function (i.e., Vt/Vb). The present work reported our work to update and modify these two programs. In the revised TRACK_TEST, two new V functions were added and enabled. Sample results for the CR-39 detector obtained using the three original and the two new V functions were compared. Discrepancies were within ~10% and <14% for incident alpha-particle energies of 1 MeV and >1 MeV, respectively. Another major revision of TRACK_TEST was to enable calculations for the Makrofol detector. In the revised TRACK_VISION, the two new V functions, as well as the option for the Makrofol detector, were also added. The experimental results on the Makrofol detectors were obtained (irradiated with 3.6-MeV alpha particles under normal incidence and then etched to achieve a removed detector thickness of 30 μm) for comparisons with the modeled results using the revised TRACK_VISION. The track diameters obtained from the experiment and model were 24.7 and 23.2 μm, respectively. Moreover, a bright area in the central parts, together with an outer dark ring, were present in both the simulated and experimental tracks. The track-opening diameters and the general optical appearances of the tracks were in good agreement.

Partition Coefficients and Diffusion Lengths of 222Rn in Some Polymers at Different Temperatures

In this work, the partition coefficients K and diffusion lengths LD of radon in some polymers are experimentally determined for several temperatures in the range T = 5–31 °C. Some of the obtained values are compared to published data available for the given temperatures. It is shown that the temperature dependencies of the partition coefficients K(T), the diffusion lengths LD(T), and the permeabilities P(T) could be described analytically for the studied temperature range 5–31 °C. This allows estimation of these quantities in the given temperature range and quantitative description of the transport of radon in the studied polymers.

Assessment of radon concentrations and exposure doses in dwellings surrounding a high capacity gas turbine power station using passive measurements and dispersion modeling

A continuous passive measurement of indoor and outdoor radon R222n, concentration is carried out in the nearby residential areas surrounding a high capacity gas-fired power station. The mean value for indoor measurements was 26.5 ± 1.75 Bq/m³ that is below the worldwide indoor mean of 40 Bq/m³ and for outdoor was 39.4 ± 4.04 Bq/m³ which is higher than the worldwide average outdoor radon concentration of 10 Bq/m³. The annual estimated effective doses were found to vary from 0.54 to 1.05 mSv/y with an average value of 0.67 ± 0.04 mSv/y for indoor dose and from 0.23 to 0.57 mSv/y with an average value of 0.37 ± 0.03 mSv/y for outdoor dose with an overall mean annual effective dose of 1.03 mSv/y. Furthermore, the measured and modeled radon excess levels due to plant operation, both, show that the effect of power plant emission on atmospheric radon levels in the surrounding region is not significant.

Geogenic and anthropogenic impacts on indoor radon in the Techa River region

Indoor radon concentration was studied in the 14 settlements located near the Techa River, which was contaminated by radioactive wastes in 1950-s. Results of the radon survey were used for analysis of the relationship between the indoor radon and main geologic factors (Pre-Jurassic formations, Quaternary sediments and faults), local geogenic radon potential and anthropogenic factors. Main influencing factors explain 58% of the standard deviation of indoor radon concentration. Association of the air exchange influence over radon concentration with underlying geological media was related to different contributions of geogenic advective and diffusive radon entries. The properties of geological formation to transfer radon gas in interaction with the house can be considered within the radon geogenic potential concept. The study of the radon exposure of the Techa River population can be used to estimate the contribution of natural radon to the overall radiation exposure of the local population during the period of radioactive waste discharges.

Low-priced, time-saving, reliable and stable LR-115 counting system

Nuclear alpha particles leave etches (tracks) when they hit the surface of a LR-115 detector. The density of these tracks is used to measure radon concentration. Counting these tracks by human sense is tedious and time-consuming procedure and may introduce counting error, whereas most available automatic and semiautomatic counting systems are expensive or complex. An uncomplicated, robust, reliable and stable counting system using freely available on the Internet software as Digimizer™ and PhotoScape was developed and proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure was evaluated by comparing the amount of tracks counted by software with the amount of tracks counted manually for 223 detectors. The percentage error for each analysed detector was obtained as a difference between automatic and manual counts divided by manual count. For more than 97% of detectors, the percentage errors oscillated between -3% and 3%.

A new method for estimating the coefficients of diffusion and emanation of radon in the soil

This paper describes a new method for determining the basic parameters of soil - diffusion and emanation coefficients related to the transfer of radon in the soil matrix, which are very useful for testing models, based on diffusion and characteristics of various soil matrices regarding the dangers of radon. The method is based on the measurement of radon in soil air on two small depths, differing twice. The paper presents the results of the determination of the parameters for covering loams and clays of Tomsk (Russian Federation), obtained by this method.

Alpha and recoil track detection in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)--towards a method for in vitro assessment of radiopharmaceuticals internalized in cancer cells

A method for detection and characterization of single MeV α-particle and recoil tracks in PMMA photoresist by atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis has been demonstrated. The energy deposition along the track is shown to lead to a latent pattern in the resist due to contrast reversal. It has been shown that the pattern, consisting of conical spikes, can be developed by conventional processing as a result of the dissolution rate of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) being greater than that for the modified material in the cylindrical volume of the track core. The spikes can be imaged and counted by routine AFM analysis. Investigations by angular-resolved near-grazing incidence reveal additional tracks that correspond to recoil tracks. The observations have been correlated with modelling, and shown to be in qualitative agreement with prevailing descriptions of collision cascades. The results may be relevant to technologies that are based on detection and characterization of single energetic ions. In particular, the direct visualization of the collision cascade may allow more accurate estimates of the actual interaction volume, which in turn will permit more precise assessment of dose distribution of α-emitting radionuclides used for targeted radiotherapy. The results could also be relevant to other diagnostic or process technologies based on interaction of energetic ions with matter.

Major influencing factors of indoor radon concentrations in Switzerland

PURPOSE

In Switzerland, nationwide large-scale radon surveys have been conducted since the early 1980s to establish the distribution of indoor radon concentrations (IRC). The aim of this work was to study the factors influencing IRC in Switzerland using univariate analyses that take into account biases caused by spatial irregularities of sampling.

METHODS

About 212,000 IRC measurements carried out in more than 136,000 dwellings were available for this study. A probability map to assess risk of exceeding an IRC of 300 Bq/m(3) was produced using basic geostatistical techniques. Univariate analyses of IRC for different variables, namely the type of radon detector, various building characteristics such as foundation type, year of construction and building type, as well as the altitude, the average outdoor temperature during measurement and the lithology, were performed comparing 95% confidence intervals among classes of each variable. Furthermore, a map showing the spatial aggregation of the number of measurements was generated for each class of variable in order to assess biases due to spatially irregular sampling.

RESULTS

IRC measurements carried out with electret detectors were 35% higher than measurements performed with track detectors. Regarding building characteristics, the IRC of apartments are significantly lower than individual houses. Furthermore, buildings with concrete foundations have the lowest IRC. A significant decrease in IRC was found in buildings constructed after 1900 and again after 1970. Moreover, IRC decreases at higher outdoor temperatures. There is also a tendency to have higher IRC with altitude. Regarding lithology, carbonate rock in the Jura Mountains produces significantly higher IRC, almost by a factor of 2, than carbonate rock in the Alps. Sedimentary rock and sediment produce the lowest IRC while carbonate rock from the Jura Mountains and igneous rock produce the highest IRC. Potential biases due to spatially unbalanced sampling of measurements were identified for several influencing factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant associations were found between IRC and all variables under study. However, we showed that the spatial distribution of samples strongly affected the relevance of those associations. Therefore, future methods to estimate local radon hazards should take the multidimensionality of the process of IRC into account.

Effects of atmospheric parameters on radon measurements using alpha-track detectors

The calibration factors of alpha-track radon detectors (ATDs) are essential for accurate determination of indoor radon concentrations. In this paper, the effects of atmospheric parameters on the calibration factors were theoretically studied and partially testified. Based on the atmospheric thermodynamics theory and detection characteristics of the allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39), the calibration factors for 5 types of ATDs were calculated through Monte Carlo simulations under different atmospheric conditions. Simulation results showed that the calibration factor increased by up to 31% for the ATDs with a decrease of air pressure by 35.5 kPa (equivalent to an altitude increase of 3500 m), and it also increased by up to 12% with a temperature increase from 5 °C to 35 °C, but it was hardly affected by the relative humidity unless the water-vapor condensation occurs inside the detectors. Furthermore, it was also found that the effects on calibration factors also depended on the dimensions of ATDs. It indicated that variations of the calibration factor with air pressure and temperature should be considered for an accurate radon measurement with a large dimensional ATD, and water-vapor condensation inside the detector should be avoided in field measurements.

Computer program for the sensitivity calculation of a CR-39 detector in a diffusion chamber for radon measurements

Computer software for calculation of the sensitivity of a CR-39 detector closed in a diffusion chamber to radon is described in this work. The software consists of two programs, both written in the standard Fortran 90 programming language. The physical background and a numerical example are given. Presented software is intended for numerous researches in radon measurement community. Previously published computer programs TRACK_TEST.F90 and TRACK_VISION.F90 [D. Nikezic and K. N. Yu, Comput. Phys. Commun. 174, 160 (2006); D. Nikezic and K. N. Yu, Comput. Phys. Commun. 178, 591 (2008)] are used here as subroutines to calculate the track parameters and to determine whether the track is visible or not, based on the incident angle, impact energy, etching conditions, gray level, and visibility criterion. The results obtained by the software, using five different V functions, were compared with the experimental data found in the literature. Application of two functions in this software reproduced experimental data very well, while other three gave lower sensitivity than experiment.

Characterization of single α-tracks by photoresist detection and AFM analysis-focus on biomedical science and technology

The interactions between energetic ions and biological and/or organic target materials have recently attracted theoretical and experimental attention, due to their implications for detector and device technologies, and for therapeutic applications. Most of the attention has focused on detection of the primary ionization tracks, and their effects, while recoil target atom tracks remain largely unexplored. Detection of tracks by a negative tone photoresist (SU-8), followed by standard development, in combination with analysis by atomic force microscopy, shows that both primary and recoil tracks are revealed as conical spikes, and can be characterized at high spatial resolution. The methodology has the potential to provide detailed information about single impact events, which may lead to more effective and informative detector technologies and advanced therapeutic procedures. In comparison with current characterization methods the advantageous features include: greater spatial resolution by an order of magnitude (20 nm); detection of single primary and associated recoil tracks; increased range of fluence (to 2.5 × 10(9) cm(-2)); sensitivity to impacts at grazing angle incidence; and better definition of the lateral interaction volume in target materials.

Indoor radon measurements in the granodiorite area of Bergama (Pergamon)-Kozak, Turkey

Indoor radon levels in 20 dwellings of rural areas at the Kozak-Bergama (Pergamon) granodiorite area in Turkey were measured by the alpha track etch integrated method. These dwellings were monitored for eight successive months. Results show that the radon levels varied widely in the area ranging from 11±1 to 727±11 Bq m(-3) and the geometric mean was found to be 63 Bq m(-3) with a geometric standard deviation of 2 Bq m(-3). A log-normal distribution of the radon concentration was obtained for the studied area. Estimated annual effective doses due to the indoor radon ranged from 0.27 to 18.34 mSv y(-1) with a mean value of 1.95 mSv y(-1), which is lower than the effective dose values 3-10 mSv given as the range of action levels recommended by International Commission on Radiation Protection. All dosimetric calculations were performed based on the guidance of the UNSCEAR 2000 report.

Nationwide indoor 222Rn and 220Rn map for India: a review

Considering the role of radon in epidemiology, an attempt was made to make a nation-wide map of indoor (222)Rn and (220)Rn for India. More than 5000 measurements have been carried out in 1500 dwellings across the country comprising urban and nonurban locations. The solid state nuclear track detectors based twin cup (222)Rn/(220)Rn discrimination dosimeters were deployed for the measurement of indoor (222)Rn, (220)Rn and their progeny levels. The geometric means of estimated annual inhalation dose rate due to indoor (222)Rn, (220)Rn and their progeny in the dwellings was 0.94 mSvy(-1) (geometric standard deviation 2.5). It was observed that the major contribution to the indoor inhalation dose was due to indoor (222)Rn and its progeny. However, the contribution due to indoor (220)Rn and its progeny was not trivial as it was found to be about 20% of the total indoor inhalation dose rates. The indoor (222)Rn levels in dwellings was significantly different depending on the nature of walls and floorings.

Evaluation of efficiency calibration parameters of the LR-115 radon detector

Measurement of 222Rn is an important research concern because of the high-energy alpha emission of its 218Po and 214Po progeny. The LR-115 passive detector is the basis of a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) whose use for radon measurements has been well established. The usage of the SSNTD technique requires calibration by comparison. The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficiency calibration parameters for the radon measurement system that three steps: (1) irradiation conditions, (2) etching conditions, and (3) track counting. The following parameters were evaluated: breakdown and counting voltages for the spark counter, detector thickness, etching time, temperature and NaOH concentration as etching conditions for the LR-115 detector. Calibrating factors of 0.035 and 0.028 tracks cm-2 Bq-1 m3 d-1 for the open- and closed-chamber radon monitors, respectively, were determined considering the best efficiency calibration parameter values.

Radon concentrations in three underground lignite mines in Turkey

Monitoring of radon in underground mines is important in order to assess the radiological hazards to occupational workers. Radon concentration levels in three underground lignite mines (Tunçbilek, Omerler and Eynez) of Turkey were obtained in this study. For this reason, atmospheric radon level measurements were carried out in mines using CR-39 track detectors. Chemical etching of the detector tracks and subsequent counting were performed at Cekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center. The obtained results were evaluated according to the International Commission of Radiation Protection and the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority whose radon action levels for workplaces are 500-1500 and 1000 Bq(-3), respectively. The radon gas concentrations in the lignite mines were determined to be between 50 +/- 7 and 587 +/- 16 Bq m(-3). The results obtained in these experiments are far under the action levels. The computed radon doses for the mine workers of Tunçbilek, Omerler and Eynez lignite mines are 1.23, 2.44 and 1.47 mSv y(-1), respectively.

Derivation of V function for LR 115 SSNTD from its sensitivity to 220Rn in a diffusion chamber

The sensitivity of the LR 115 detector inside a diffusion chamber to (220)Rn gas concentration is dependent on the removed active layer thickness during chemical etching. This dependence is related to the V function for the LR 115 detector (where V is the ratio between the track etch velocity V(t) and the bulk etch velocity V(b)) and the geometry of the diffusion chamber. The present paper presents the experimentally determined relationship between the sensitivity of the LR 115 detector inside a Karlsruhe diffusion chamber (determined from the number of etched tracks completely penetrating the active cellulose nitrate layer) and the removed active layer thickness. These data were used to derive the V function for the LR 115 detector, which took the functional form of the Durrani-Green's function, i.e., V=1+((a1e-)(a2R+a3e(-a)4R))(1(-e)(-a5R)), with the best-fitted constants as a(1)=14.50, a(2)=0.50, a(3)=3.9 and a(4)=0.066.

Medidas dos níveis de radônio em diferentes tipos de ambientes internos na região da Baixada Santista, SP

OBJETIVO: Exposições a altos níveis do gás radioativo radônio podem causar câncer de pulmão e, conseqüentemente, o conhecimento da concentração deste gás em ambientes internos é importante, do ponto de vista de proteção radiológica, para a população de um modo geral. Neste trabalho realizaram-se monitorações passiva e integrada de radônio em alguns tipos de ambientes fechados na região da Baixada Santista, SP, tais como túneis, galpão de fertilizantes, "shopping center", lojas de cerâmica e residências, com o objetivo de se avaliar os níveis de concentração existentes nestes locais. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: As medidas de concentração de radônio foram realizadas utilizando a técnica do registro de traços de partículas alfa em folhas plásticas de Makrofol E, na geometria de copo fechado ("cup method"). RESULTADOS: Os teores de radônio encontrados nos ambientes internos estudados neste trabalho variaram entre 17 e 263 Bq/m³, em razoável acordo com os valores divulgados na literatura por outros autores para ambientes similares. CONCLUSÃO: De modo geral, os resultados obtidos estão abaixo dos limites máximos recomendados pela Comissão Internacional de Proteção Radiológica (ICRP), não necessitando, portanto, que sejam implementadas ações de intervenção nos locais estudados.

Radon concentration measurements in bituminous coal mines

Radon measurements were carried out in Kozlu, Karadon and Uzülmez underground coal mines of Zonguldak bituminous coal basin in Turkey. Passive-time integrating method, which is the most widely used technique for the measurement of radon concentration in air, was applied by using nuclear etched track detectors (CR-39) in the study area. The radon concentration measurements were performed on a total of 42 points in those three mines. The annual exposure, the annual effective dose and lifetime fatality risk, which are the important parameters for the health of workers, were estimated based on chronic occupational exposure to the radon gas, which is calculated using UNCEAR-2000 and ICRP-65 models. The radon concentrations at several coal production faces are higher than the action level of 1000 Bq m(-3). It is suggested that the ventilation rates should be rearranged to reduce the radon concentration.

Assessment of radon-222 concentrations in buildings, building materials, water and soil in Jordan

Monitoring of radon gas ((222)Rn) in Jordan was started in the early 1990s. Since then our radon group at Yarmouk University and others have carried out tens of studies that include measurements of indoor radon, radon in water, radon in soil and radon emanating from building materials. All major cities of Jordan had been surveyed, from the northern city of Irbid down to the southern port city of Aqaba. Most of these studies were carried out by using time-integrated passive radon dosimeters containing CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors. In addition to that, an active radon monitor was used to study the seasonal variation of (222)Rn in Al-Ruseifa that lies near abandoned phosphate mines and in Amman area. During such a study passive dosimeters were also used. The average radon concentrations in dwellings in Jordanian cities ranged from about 20 to 386 Bq/m(3) with the highest readings exhibited during the winter season around the town of Al-Ruseifa.

Theoretical basis for long-term measurements of equilibrium factors using LR 115 detectors

In this paper, we propose a method to determine the equilibrium factor using a bare LR 115 detector. The partial sensitivities rhoi of the LR 115 detector to 222Rn and its alpha-emitting short-lived progeny, 218Po and 214Po, were investigated. We first determined the distributions of lengths of major and minor axes of the perforated alpha tracks in the LR 115 detector produced by 222Rn, 218Po and 214Po through Monte Carlo simulations. The track parameters were calculated using a track development model with a published V function, by assuming a removed active layer of 6.54 microm. The distributions determined for different alpha emitters were found to completely overlap with one another. This implied equality of partial sensitivities for radon and its progeny, which was also confirmed through analytical considerations. Equality of partial sensitivities makes possible convenient measurements of the proxy equilibrium factor Fp, which is defined in the present work as (F1+F3) and is equal to the ratio between the sum of concentrations of the two alpha emitting radon progeny (218Po+214Po) to the concentration of radon gas (222Rn). In particular, we have found Fp = (rho/rhoitC0)-1, where rho (track/m2) is the total track density on the detector, rhoi = 0.288 x 10(-2) m, t is the exposure time and C0 (Bq/m3) is the concentration of 222Rn. If C0 is known (e.g. from a separate measurement), we can obtain Fp. The proxy equilibrium factor Fp is also found to be well correlated with the equilibrium factor between radon gas and its progeny through the Jacobi room model. This leads to a novel method for long-term determination of the equilibrium factor.

Direct measurements of radon activity in water from various natural sources using nuclear track detectors

Radon activities measured in several types of natural waters from the Santos region in Brazil are presented. Makrofol E polycarbonate plastic detector was used. The detector foils were exposed to radon emanating from the water samples for 30 days in a system of two tightly coupled cups, one of which contained the detector foil and the other hosted the analyzed water sample. After irradiation and chemical etching of the plastic foils, the tracks produced by the alpha particles emitted by radon and its progeny were counted with a system consisting of an optical microscope and a video camera. The measured radon radioactivities ranged from 0.95 to 36.00 Bq/l for ground waters, from 0.30 to 0.54 Bq/l for sea waters, from 0.39 to 0.47 Bq/l for tap waters, from 0.43 to 2.40 Bq/l for river waters, and amounted to 2.35 Bq/l for water from the Santos/São Vicente public water supply.