Identification and assessment of elevated exposure to natural radiation in Balkan region (Serbia)

Abstract

Abstract. The paper deals with a specific aspect of a general survey, that is being carried out during last ten years in several regions of Serbia (former Yugoslavia, former Serbia and Montenegro) to assess population exposure to natural radioactivity based on geochemical and integrative pattern research approach. The originality regarding this work is related to the facts such as follows: the first identification and assessment of high areas of natural radiation in Serbia which provides insight into its regional characteristics, the interpretation of the results in terms of geological aspects, building types and human habits, the first introduction and field applicability of both (surface and volume trap) retro techniques in Serbia and assessment of doses and risks to the population in investigated high natural radiation rural communities.

Qualitative overview of indoor radon surveys in Europe

“…Results of descriptive statistic were presented in 55 papers, describing the analysis of measurement results from 39 countries In 27 papers, covering the results of surveys in Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine, authors used the obtained average values to assess the percentile, or number of houses where the indoor radon concentration exceeded some predetermined levels (Andersen et al, 2001; Baluci et al, 2013; Bochicchio et al, 2005; Bode Tushe et al, 2016; Cinelli et al, 2011; Cucoş (Dinu) et al, 2017; Hoffmann et al, 2017; Ivanova et al, 2013; Jensen et al, 2004; Kemski et al, 2004; Nikolopoulos et al, 2002; Pavlenko et al, 2014; Poffijn et al, 1994; Sainz Fernández et al, 2017; Stoop et al, 1998; Swedjemark, 2002; Swedjemark et al, 1993; Tondeur et al, 1997; Valmari et al, 2010; Vicanova et al, 1998; Vukotic et al, 2018; Weltner et al, 2002; Yaroshevich et al, 2012; Z.S. Žunić et al, 2010a, Žunić et al, 2010b; Žunić et al, 2009). In surveys conducted in Azerbaijan, Belgium and Spain, the correlation of the results of indoor radon measurement with the geological characteristics of the region was investigated, while in Albania, the comparison with known uranium concentration in soil was performed.…”

“…Although in many indoor radon surveys thoron is not mentioned, there are lot of papers on local radon surveys, which describe that the indoor thoron levels are significant and should be taken into account during both radon measurements and radiation dose and risk assessment, for example in some regions of Balkan: south-eastern Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija and parts of Western Serbia (Žunić et al, 2009).…”

First steps towards national radon action plan in Serbia

“…Mapping radon and thoron throughout south-eastern Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija parts of western Serbia [9,10] by using different passive devices; electrochemical etch track detectors in a specially designed and built in laboratory [11]; developing method for radon and thoron exhalation from building material [12]; radon measurement campaigns in the schools and houses in the Sokobanja municipality [13].…”