A Review of Radon Exposure in Non-uranium Mines—Estimation of Potential Radon Exposure in Canadian Mines

Abstract

A worldwide review of radon exposure in non-uranium mines was conducted. Based on the reported radon measurements in a total of 474 underground non-uranium mines, the average radon concentration in underground non-uranium mines was calculated to be 570 Bq m −3 (varied from below detection limit to above 10,000 Bq m −3 ), and the average equilibrium factor between radon and its short-lived progeny was 0.34 (varied from 0.02 to 0.9). Using the average values from the review, annual effective radon doses to workers in Canadian non-uranium mines were estimated. For underground workers, the estimated annual effective radon dose to non-uranium miners was 3.8 mSv with the possibility of varying from 0.22 to 10 mSv depending on ventilation and other operation conditions. In Canada, the majority of mines are open-pit surface mines; only a small portion of the workforce in non-uranium mines physically work underground where radon concentration can be elevated. Averaged over the entire mining workforce, occupational exposure to radon in non-uranium mines is estimated to be 0.9 mSv. The results of this study indicate that there is potential for workers in non-uranium mines to reach or exceed Canadian thresholds for mandatory monitoring and reporting radiation doses, at least for underground operations.

Breakthrough on radon individual monitoring and protecting miners by novel dual-function monitor on respirator

“…In order to dermine radon concentration inhaled by a miner for calculating the effective radon dose, a miner is commonly monitored by an individual radon monitor such as CR-39 in a cup worn on the coveralls or helmets for a duration of at least 3 to even 6 months 7 , 8 . In parallel, the miners wear also disposable facepieces or reusable respirators to be protected from inhaling hazardous mine gases and particulates.…”

“…A worldwide review of radon exposure in non-uranium mines such as in coal and metal mines provides detailed information on radon exposure levels and on active and passive radon monitoring devices used in different countries 8 . However, no information on the protection against other gases and dust radioactive particulates have been provided.…”

“…Some active devices AlphaGUARD, PRASSI meter, KF606 and RAD7, etc. are used for workplace monitoring in uranium and non-uranium mines 8 , as well as other radon environments. As regards individual radon monitoring, passive polymer track detectors CR-39, LR-115, CN-85, polycarbonate track detectors (PCTD), etc.…”

Preliminary Population Exposure to Indoor Radon and Thoron in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

“…Using the long-term Rn and Tn concentrations, a population-based annual effective dose was obtained by the UNSCEAR formula [19,60]:…”

La exposición al radón en las viviendas: ¿Un problema de salud pública? La necesidad de la implementación de un programa integral de vigilancia de radón

“…Anteriormente, la evaluación de la exposición del radón tenía principalmente un enfoque ocupacional; así, en los trabajadores de las minas de uranio 12 o también de minas que no contienen uranio. 13 Los trabajadores varones que pasaban ocho horas al día (2 080 horas al año) en una fábrica de mármol recibían una dosis máxima de 34,46 milisievert (mSv) año-1, que es superior al intervalo límite de dosis (3-10 mSv año-1) dado por la International Commision on Radiological Protection (ICRP). 14 El conocer cómo varía el radón en ambientes interiores durante el año permite determinar el mejor momento para realizar las pruebas de medición y evitar subestimar la exposición.…”