Seasonal changes in radon concentrations in buildings in the region of northeastern Poland

Karpińska, Maria; Mnich, Z; Kapała, Jacek

doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.02.005

Cited by 51 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 12 publications

(14 reference statements)

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“…8). The pattern of these changes in the studied underground spaces was also compared to annual changes in radon activity concentration inside residential buildings in northern Poland, as well as with data from buildings presented by the UK Health Protection Agency (Karpińska et al, 2004;www.hpa.org.uk, 2010). Due to the lack of data from residential buildings in the Kletno area, the authors used available data published for northern Poland.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From the moment when it is switched on after closing the facility to visitors, at about 05:00 p.m., 222 Rn activity concentration decreases steadily to an almost stable minimum value. Depending on the initial maximum concentration, this value is reached at about 07:00 p.m. in winter, or as late as at 01:00 a.m. in spring and summer, when daytime 222 Rn activity concentration reaches the maximum values for the org.uk, 2010 (residential buildings) and data from residential buildings in the Northeast of Poland, according to (Karpińska et al, 2004).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Fijałkowska-Lichwa¹,

Przylibski²

2011

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

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Abstract. The authors investigated short-time changes in 222 Rn activity concentration occurring yearly in two underground tourist facilities with limited air exchange with the atmosphere. One of them is Niedźwiedzia (Bear) Cave in Kletno, Poland -a natural space equipped with locks ensuring isolation from the atmosphere. The other site is Fluorite Adit in Kletno, a section of a disused uranium mine. This adit is equipped with a mechanical ventilation system, operated periodically outside the opening times (at night). Both sites are situated within the same metamorphic rock complex, at similar altitudes, about 2 km apart.The measurements conducted revealed spring and autumn occurrence of convective air movements. In Bear Cave, this process causes a reduction in 222 Rn activity concentration in the daytime, i.e. when tourists, guides and other staff are present in the cave. From the point of view of radiation protection, this is the best situation. For the rest of the year, daily concentrations of 222 Rn activity in the cave are very stable. In Fluorite Adit, on the other hand, significant variations in daily 222 Rn activity concentrations are recorded almost all year round. These changes are determined by the periods of activity and inactivity of mechanical ventilation. Unfortunately this is inactive in the daytime, which results in the highest values of 222 Rn activity concentration at the times when tourists and staff are present in the adit. Slightly lower concentrations of radon in Fluorite Adit are recorded in the winter season, when convective air movements carry a substantial amount of radon out into the atmosphere.The incorrect usage of mechanical ventilation in Fluorite Adit results in the most unfavourable conditions in terms of radiation protection. The staff working in that facility are exposed practically throughout the year to the highest 222 Rn activity concentrations, both at work (in the adit) and at home Correspondence to: L. Fijałkowska-Lichwa (lidia.fijalkowska@pwr.wroc.pl) (outside their working hours). Therefore, not very well considered solution for the ventilation system not only does not prevent radioactive exposure of the staff, but can even increase it.The authors have also observed comparable characteristics of the annual patterns of 222 Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces and residential buildings situated in the same or similar climatic zones.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Fijałkowska-Lichwa¹,

Przylibski²

2011

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

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“…Comparable variability (G = 0.21) is found in a single study from Italy (Azimi, 1996), likewise a region of relatively recent geological activity still prone to seismic events. In contrast, the Gini coefficients of 0.13 and 0.14 from Poland (Karpinska et al, 2004) and Ireland (Madden et al, 1994) respectively are comparable to figures from the English Midlands, reflecting the relatively stable sedimentary geology found in both areas.…”

Section: Francementioning

confidence: 92%

Comparison of seasonal variability in European domestic radon measurements

Groves-Kirkby

Denman

Phillips

et al. 2010

Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.

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Abstract. Analysis of published data characterising seasonal variability of domestic radon concentrations in Europe and elsewhere shows significant variability between different countries and between regions where regional data is available. Comparison is facilitated by application of the Gini Coefficient methodology to reported seasonal variation data. Overall, radon-rich sedimentary strata, particularly high-porosity limestones, exhibit high seasonal variation, while radon-rich igneous lithologies demonstrate relatively constant, but somewhat higher, radon concentrations. Highvariability regions include the Pennines and South Downs in England, Languedoc and Brittany in France, and especially Switzerland. Low-variability high-radon regions include the granite-rich Cornwall/Devon peninsula in England, and Auvergne and Ardennes in France, all components of the Devonian-Carboniferous Hercynian belt.

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“…Another factor determining the high levels of radon and exhalation rates recorded in these compartments is that the narrow openings into these rooms means they are relatively poorly ventilated. Burning natural gas in houses (Karpinska et al 2004) and supplying kitchens and bathrooms with water from underground sources are both potential sources of indoor radon (Sujo et al 2004). The concentration of radon progeny ranged from 0.20 ± 0.35 to 1.54 ± 0.16 mWL (mean: 0.68 ± 0.34 mWL) (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Estimates of the dose of radon and its progeny inhaled inside buildings

Ravikumar

Somashekar

2013

European Journal of Environmental Sciences

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The concentration of radon in the air in buildings ranged from 1.87 ± 3.24 Bq/m 3 to 14.27 ± 1.50 Bq/m 3 with a mean of 6.31 ± 3.47 Bq/m 3 while that of the progeny of radon varied from 0.007 to 0.057 WL (average: 0.025). The mean indoor concentration of radon was considerably less than the lower levels prescribed by EPA (148 Bq/m 3 ), WHO (100 Bq/m 3 ), EEC (400 Bq/m 3 ), ICRP (200-600 Bq/m 3 ) and NRPB (200 Bq/m 3 ). The annual effective equivalent dose of indoor radon (< 0.8 mSv/y) that the bronchial and pulmonary regions of human lungs are exposed to (<0.8 mSv/y) is less than the UNSCEAR and WHO recommended global lower average dose value of 1 mSv/y. The lifetime fatality risk of exposure to the progeny of radon (PAEC) varied from 0.03 × 10 −4 to 0.19 × 10 −4 , with an average value of 0.08 ± 0.04 × 10 −4 .

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Seasonal changes in radon concentrations in buildings in the region of northeastern Poland

Cited by 51 publications

References 12 publications

Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Comparison of seasonal variability in European domestic radon measurements

Estimates of the dose of radon and its progeny inhaled inside buildings

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Seasonal changes in radon concentrations in buildings in the region of northeastern Poland

Cited by 51 publications

References 12 publications

Short-term &lt;sup&gt;222&lt;/sup&gt;Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Short-term &lt;sup&gt;222&lt;/sup&gt;Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Comparison of seasonal variability in European domestic radon measurements

Estimates of the dose of radon and its progeny inhaled inside buildings

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Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere

Short-term <sup>222</sup>Rn activity concentration changes in underground spaces with limited air exchange with the atmosphere