Radon measurements in the caves of Zonguldak (Turkey)

Abstract

There are approximately 20 caves of limestone origin in Zonguldak (Turkey). In this study, the results of atmospheric radon measurements performed for two caves are presented. These caves, Gökgöl and Cehennemağzi, are open to tourism. Gökgöl Cave is the longer, at nearly 3,200 m in length. Cehenennemağzi is a pit-type cave with a total length of 85 m. The radon measurements were performed for 2 months between July 2004 and September 2004 using passive polycarbonate detectors. The mean radon concentrations were recorded as 1,918.8 Bq m(-3) in Gökgöl Cave and 657 Bq m(-3) in Cehennemağzi Cave. The maximum value corresponds to a site located 400 m from the entrance of Gökgöl Cave. Mean effective dose values for tourists of 0.86 microSv per visit to Cehennemağzi Cave and 3.76 microSv to Gökgöl Cave were obtained. These results show that protection against radiological hazards would not be necessary for visitors to these two caves.

Occupational exposure to radon and natural gamma radiation in the La Carolina, a former gold mine in San Luis Province, Argentina

“…where E is the effective dose (mSv y À1 ), C Rn is the air radon concentration (Bq m À3 ), F is the average equilibrium factor between radon and its decay products, t is the time spent inside the mine during the period investigated (h y À1 ), d is the dose conversion factor of 1.4 mSv per mJ h m À3 for workers, u is the unit factor of 5.6 Â 10 À6 mJ m À3 per Bq m À3 (ICRP, 1994;Aytekin et al, 2006).…”

“…The spatially complex pattern of radon concentration in the underground requires a careful design of the placement and frequency of evaluation of detectors necessary for field use (Papastefanou, 2002). Recent measurements have shown the existence of high radon concentrations (unless otherwise specified, radon means 222 Rn throughout this paper) in several workplaces like tourist caves and underground excavation works, where the radon concentrations can give rise to high effective doses to the workers (Quindó s Poncela et al, 2004;Aytekin et al, 2006). The carcinogenic effect of radon as a radioactive noble gas is well-known (UNSCEAR, 2000) and a new epidemiological study shows firm evidence that this is true also for low radon levels (Darby et al, 2006).…”

Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi Kanuni Kampüsü’nde Bazı Ofislerde Radon Gazı Ölçümü ve Çevrelerindeki Topraklarda Radyonüklid Seviyeleri

“…Ülkemizde ise, özellikle evlerde ve iş yerlerinde radon konsantrasyonu ölçüm çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Madenlerde [6][7][8][9][10], termal kaplıcalarda [11][12][13][14], mağaralarda [15][16][17][18] ve okullardaki (veya kamu binalarındaki) [19][20] çalışmaların sayısı gün geçtikçe artmaktadır.…”

Is Radon Emission in Caves Causing Deletions in Satellite DNA Sequences of Cave-Dwelling Crickets?

“…In caves, radon concentration is known to vary within an extremely wide range [ 8 , 9 ]. Natural caves of volcanic origin can be characterized by exceedingly high levels of radon because of the presence of uranium and therefore of the decay chain products of uranium series [ 10 , 11 ]. Artificial caves as cellars, Etruscan graves, and Roman cisterns are often built with tuff, a type of rock consisting of consolidated volcanic ash ejected during a volcanic eruption.…”