Radon and Thoron Progeny in Dutch Dwellings

Abstract

Radon and thoron progenies in Dutch dwellings cause ~400 cases of lung cancer per year. Some 30% of the risk is due to thoron progeny, which demonstrates that the influence of thoron progeny is much larger than previously anticipated. This was concluded from a national survey in 2500 Dutch dwellings, built since 1930. Radon concentrations (15.6 ± 0.3 Bq m-3 on average) are correlated to type of dwelling, year of construction, ventilation system, location (soil type) and smoking behaviour of inhabitants. The survey data support the establishment of a comparatively low national reference level for radon in dwellings in the Netherlands of 100 Bq m-3, in line with recommendations by WHO and ICRP. Some 24 thousand of the 6.2 million dwellings in the Netherlands (built since 1930) are expected to exceed this level. Around 80% of these are located in the relatively small group of naturally ventilated single-family houses in two designated geographical areas. Radon concentrations above 200 Bq m-3 are rare in the Netherlands and simple and inexpensive measures will be sufficient to reduce enhanced radon concentrations to values below the national reference level. Thoron progeny concentrations (0.64 Bq m-3, on average) show correlations with year of construction and smoking behaviour. In 75 additional dwellings, a pilot study was conducted to determine the relationship between the exhalation of thoron from walls and the concentration of thoron progeny in the room. Thoron exhalation values exceeding the median value of 2.2 × 10-2 Bq m-2 s-1 by a factor 10 or more were found frequently, but enhanced concentrations of thoron progeny were measured only occasionally. Under very unfavourable conditions, however, for instance if phosphogypsum is applied as finishing material on all walls and ceilings in the house, strongly elevated thoron progeny concentrations may occur. This survey yielded a maximum recording of 13.3 Bq m-3. There is no reason to expect that such levels are specific to the Netherlands, indicating that in other regions with low radon levels, thoron may be a more important contributor to the population dose as well.

Characteristics of Thoron (220Rn) and Its Progeny in the Indoor Environment

“…Table 3 summarizes thoron and thoron progeny concentrations (EETC) in various countries. As can be seen from the presented data, their number is more restricted than that of radon [27,39,41,42,[52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67].…”

“…Thoron progeny concentrations, namely equilibrium equivalent thoron concentrations (EETCs), were measured in 2900 houses, Netherlands [65]. The arithmetic mean of EETC was 0.64 Bq m −3 .…”

The First Attempt to Reevaluate Radon and Thoron Exposure in Gansu Province Study Using Radon-Thoron Discriminating Measurement Technique

“…In addition, thoron progeny concentration was measured (26)(27)(28)(29)(30). The reported radon concentration ranged from a few 10 to over 100 Bq m −3 .…”

“…According to Cameroon study ( 29 ), thoron progeny contribution to inhalation dose was found to be 30%. Some papers showed that thoron was probably more important contribution to inhalation dose ( 27 , 30 ). A further study is required to acquire correct radon concentrations and to better evaluate the risk of lung cancer.…”

Measurement of Indoor Thoron Gas Concentrations Using a Radon-Thoron Discriminative Passive Type Monitor: Nationwide Survey in Japan

“…Therefore, interest in 220 Rn exposure is growing among the health sciences communities. Recently, a number of 220 Rn surveys have been carried out in local regions and nationwide, and the results have been published enabling an evaluation of exposures from 220 Rn [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Also, the need to adopt reliable 220 Rn measurement techniques has been argued in several papers [22].…”