Novo método de avaliação da exposição ocupacional ao gás radônio em ambientes de mineração.

Francisca, Diego Diegues; Tomi, Giorgio de

doi:10.11606/d.3.2019.tde-17072019-102244

Cited by 2 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…With respect to measurements in the underground mine O, the results given in table 5 present the activity concentration values, owing to the presence of radon levels below the limits for occupational exposure recommended both in Brazil and internationally. Francisca (2014) observed in his research that the methodology applied in the measurements proved to be reliable and practical. However, the standard deviation values were high.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Radon in Brazilian underground mines

Silva¹,

Eston²,

Iramina³

et al. 2018

J. Radiol. Prot.

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Radon is a chemically inert noble radioactive gas found in several radioactive decay chains. In underground mines, especially those that contain or have contained ores associated with uranium-bearing minerals, workers might be exposed to high levels of radon and its decay products (RDP). This work aims to investigate whether the exposure of workers to radon gas and its progeny has been evaluated in Brazilian non-uranium and non-thorium underground mines. Any such results and control measures undertaken or recommended to maintain concentrations under Brazilian occupational exposure limits (OELs) are documented. The methodology we adopted consists of three main phases. The first was an extensive bibliographical survey of the concentration levels of radon and RDP, as well as the radiation dose estimates, considering measurements made heretofore by various Brazilian researchers and exhibiting original measurement work undertaken by the one of the authors (mine O). In the second phase, the values obtained were compared with OELs. In the third phase, any control measures undertaken in mines with high exposure of workers to radon and its progeny were verified, and the adopted controls were determined. Radon concentration data obtained from 52 campaigns in 40 underground mines were analyzed. The results show that assessment of the exposure of workers to radon and its progeny was undertaken in many mines at least once, and that radon levels in 62.5% of the mines, when visited for the first time, were below the Brazilian OELs. As expected, the main control measure adopted or recommended was improvement of the ventilation system.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mean radon levels and standard deviation in mine O.Polytechnique in Lausanne (Switzerland). This research series introduced to Brazil equipment and techniques for the study and detection of this radioactive gas (Delboni Júnior et al 2014,Francisca 2014, Lima 2014, El Hajj et al 2016.…”

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confidence: 99%

Radon in Brazilian underground mines

Silva¹,

Eston²,

Iramina³

et al. 2018

J. Radiol. Prot.

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show abstract

“…In addition, according to Francisca [16], the concentration of radon in minerals increases exponentially with the reduction in granulometry (Figure 1), which indicates a greater exposure to the element in environments where methods of comminution of mined materials are applied.…”

Section: Radon In Mining Activities and Effects Of Exposurementioning

confidence: 96%

“…Relation between granulometry and radon concentration in a quarry. Source: Adapted from Francisca [16].…”

Section: Radon In Mining Activities and Effects Of Exposurementioning

confidence: 99%

New Evaluation Method of Exposure to Radon Gas in Mining Environments

et al. 2023

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Physical and chemical agents in workplace environments can be hazardous for employees. Much of the exposure to ionizing radiation can occur due to the presence of radon in the workplace. Mining environments are more susceptible to containing radon gas because it emanates from soil or rocks. Radon is known to be associated with lung cancer as it is a gaseous chemical agent under normal conditions and is also radioactive. Since there is little knowledge about radon in Brazilian mining workplaces, this study aims to measure occupational exposure to radon in mining environments through a proposed methodology and to verify its compliance with international standards to confirm the potential risk of exposure for employees. Radon concentration in open-pit mining work environments was measured and used as a basis for comparison to assess the proposed new evaluation method, which will consist of laboratory evaluations of samples taken from the same workplaces. The radon concentration data in the work environments were compared to laboratory tests for statistical correlation. The results, compared to reference values, tolerance limits, and action levels, showed that radon, in outdoor mining workplaces, can be considered a low risk to employees’ health. The application of the methodology also indicated that the laboratory tests and the field evaluations presented a statistical correlation with each other, being an indication that the laboratory tests can be used to estimate the risks in a preliminary way. Another important point is the fact that it was observed that measurements in the laboratory were more practical and faster to perform when compared to field evaluations. These facts can bring future gains in the number of tests performed and workplace evaluated in mining environments.

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Novo método de avaliação da exposição ocupacional ao gás radônio em ambientes de mineração.

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Radon in Brazilian underground mines

Radon in Brazilian underground mines

New Evaluation Method of Exposure to Radon Gas in Mining Environments

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