I
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Information" Services
and Library
Washington DC 20460
EPA IMSD/86-002
May 1986
&EPA Bibliographic Series
Indoor Radon
Pollution
I
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Bibliography on Radon
Table of Contents
Introduction , i
I. General 1-1
TI. Contributing Factors , IT-1
III. Ventilation & Energy Efficiency III-l
IV. Radon in Water , . . TV-1
V. Meas jrement & Modeling , , . . .V-l
VI. Mitigation .VI-1
VII. Health Effects VII-1
Appendix: State Radon Contacts., ,...1A
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region V, Library
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago. Illinois 60604
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U,S. Environmental Protection
Agency
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INTRODUCTION
Indoor radon pollution is a major topic of concern
to many EPA employees, independent researchers, members
of other federal, State and local government agencies,
and the public.
EPA estimates that one million homes in the U.S. have
levels of radon that are higher than recommended guide-
lines (Time, July 22, 1985, "The colorless, odorless
killer"), and that indoor radon exposure may cause as
many as 5,000 to 20,000 deaths from lung cancer svery
year(New York Times, May 24, 1985, "Drive to locate risk
areas for radioactive gas urged").
Mary Hoffman, Reference Librarian, compiled this biblio-
graphy using pertinent online databases. Citations were
selected for their relevance to EPA's radon program. The
bibliography focuses on indoor radon pollution problems
and is organized according to the following major topic
areas: 1) general articles on radon, 2) contributing
factors, 3) ventilation and energy efficiency, 4)radon
in water, 5) measurament and modeling, 6)mitigation of
the problem, and 7) health effects of radon. There is
an appendix containing a list of contacts for further
information on radon.
There is a great deal more literature available on other
aspects of radon (e.g. rad:m from uranium tailings). An
EPA librarian can assist in identifying other titles for
further research.
Citations in this bibliography that are preceded by
an asterisx (*) are held in the U.S. EPA Headquarters
Library. Other citations can be borrowed for EPA
employees through interlibrary loan.
A descriptive abstract is included with the citation,
when available. The source of the abstract is noted by an
alphabetic code enclosed in parentheses at the ond of the
entry. The databases and codes abbreviations are listed
below:
(BIO) Biosis Previews
Biosciences Information Service
2100 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
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(E^B) Embase
User Education Officer
Elsevier Science Publishers/Excerpta Medica
52 Vanderbilt Avenue
N3W York, NY 10017
(ENV) Enviroline
Environment Information Center, Inc.
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(EN7B) Environmental Bibliography
Environmental Studies Institute
2074 Alameda Padre Serra
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(GEO) Georef
American Geological Institute
One Skyline Place
5205 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
(MED) Medline
Medlars Management Section
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20209
(NT1S) National Technical Information Service
U.S. Dept. of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22041
(OSH) Occupational Safety & Health
Technical Information Branch
National Institute for Occupational
Safety & Health(MIOSH)
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45226
(POL) Pollution Abstracts
Cambridge Scientific Abstracts
5161 River Road
Bethesda, MD 20816
(SCT) Scisearch
Online Customer Service Representative
Institute for Scientific Information
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University City Science Center
3501 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Library staff wishes to thank Dr. David Mudarri,
Special Initiatives Officer, Office of Program Management
Operations, Office of Air & Radiation, for his advice
and direction in the development of this bibliography.
For additional information, you may wish to
contact the EPA Office of Radiation Programs ^t
(202) 557-9710, or your state radon contact (see
the list of State Radon Contacts in the Appendix).
Contact the EPA Headquarters Library for copies of
the Radon Bibliography (Phone: (202) 332-5921).
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I. GENERAL
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I. General
Association of indoor radon concentrations and uranium in
surficial material
Kothari, B. K.; Han, Y.
N.Y. State Dep. Health, Cent. Lab. and
Northeastern Environmental Science 3(1)
Res., Albany,
: 30-34, 1984
NY, USA
Country of Publ.: United States
ISSN: 0730-630X
20 REFS.
Subfile: B
Doc Type: SERIAL
Bibliographic Level: ANALYTIC
Languages: English
illus., 1 table
Indoor exposure to radioactive radon daughters is a
potential health problem which can vary with geographic location,
For available indoor radon data from nine locations, the
geometric means of eguivalent uranium data from the National
Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) survey for the sam? locations
associate with the percentage of homes with radon concentrations
above a desired limit: this provides a basis for identifying
areas in the U.S. where high values of indoor rad in might be
found for further radon studies.(GEO)
Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels in Building Materials
and Evaluation of Indoor Radiation Exposure
Londhe, VS; Rao, SR; Pillai, KC
Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Bombay
ENV TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Feb 84, 5(2):81-8
Natural radioactivity levels were tested for building materials
used in some cement houses in Bombay, India, and nearby areas.
Exposure to natural radiation is comparatively higher in cement
houses than in wooden or brick houses. One to two kg samples
wera collected from construction sit^s and from local dealers
in Bombay. Granite samples were collected from surrounding
quarries. The study presents estimations of n^tur^l r^dio-
elements like Radon-222, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 in
a limited number of samples of building materials used in
Bombay. Quantities of cement, sand, bricks and stones re-
guired for model, room were calculated from the standard con-
struction data. (1 graph, 11 references, 6 tables) (EMV)
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Characterizing the Source of Radon Indoors
Nero, A. v, ; Nazaroff, W. W.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: LBL-16636; CONF-831049-1
Sep 83 47p
International seminar on indoor exposure to natural radiation
and related risk assessment, Capri, Italy, 3 Oct 19R3.
Languages: English
Document type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8409; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract
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The body of information in this paper is directed to
researchers and other interested in the field of
indoor air quality. It is a progress report that
describes detailed measurements during a six-month
period of: radon concentration, ventilation rate, and
other parameters that affect radon entry in a single-
concentrations in the house
pCi/L during this period;
3.1 pCi/L. Ventilation
00 ach; the mean value
that the radon source
family house. Average radon
varied between 0.1 and 18.4
the mean value observed was
rates ranged from 0.03 to 1
was 0.25 ach. The data show
strength varied substantially during the measure-
ments; we continue to examine the environmental
parameters measured to obtain a better understanding
of the processes that influence radon entr/ into the
house. The major radon entry site in this structure
appears to be the basement sump. A portion of the
time variation in the entry rate can be associated
with changes in the water level in the sump that
couples and decouples the sump with an exterior
drain tile system. (ERA citation 09:001191) (NTIS)
COST EVALUATION OF CONTROL MEASURES FOR INDOOR RADON PROGENY
(ENGLISH)
MOELLER DW; FUJIMOTO K
HARVARD UNIV,SCH PUBL HLTH,DEPT BNVIRONM HLTH SCI/
BOSTON//MA/02115
HEALTH PHYSICS, 46(6): 1181-1193,
Based on assumed conditions within
costs for reducing indoor airborne
have been calculated for a variety
1984
a typical US home,
progeny cone
radon
annualized
^ntrations
control. These
of methods of
analyses were limited to methods for control in existing homes.
Control through modified construction techniques was not eval-
uated. Methods assessed included increased air circulation, in-
creased ventilation, particle removal using electrostatic pre-
cipitation and unipolar ion generation, and the application of
sealants to room surfaces. Although surface sealants proved to
be reasonably cost-effective per person-sievert dose reduction,
such sealants are prone to cracking and the durability of their
effectiveness questionable. Use of ceiling fans for increased
air circulation and particle deposition appears to bo least cost-
effective, but this method may be attractive in some cases for
reasons of comfort. The use of unipolar ion generators appears
to be the best approach from the standpoint of cost ->f:fective-
ness. These devices are also easy to install and are estheti-
cally.(SCI)
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DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT OF RADON DECAY PRODUCTS AND THEIR
ATTACHMENT RATE TO THE ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOL
Potstendorfer, J; Mercer, TT
Univ of Rochester
Presented at DOE/Univ of Texas Natural Radiation
3rd Intl Sym, Houston, Apr 23-28, 78,
vl, p281(13)
The attachment rates of the neutral atoms to the atmos-
pheric aerosol indoors and outdoors were studied using
Radon 220 decay products. These decay products were
attached to aerosols in a laminar flow through a cylin-
drical tube. In a nuclei concentration range of 0.6-7 x
10.4 particles/cu cm, the attachment rate was 0.009-
0.05 sec -1, corresponding to a half-life of attachment
of 77-14 sec. When the humidity was changed from 20% to
100%, the average particle size increased by 2.1.
(1 diagram, 6 graphs, 23 references, 3 tables( (ENV)
THE DISTRIBUTION OF AMBIENT RADON AND RADON DAUGHTERS
IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE NEW JERSEY-NEW YORK
AREA
George, AC; Breslin, AJ
DOE Env Measurements Lab, New York City,
Presented at DOE/Univ of Texas Natural Radiation
Env 3rd Intl Sym, Houston, Apr 23-28, 78
v2, p!272(21)
The distribution of radon 222 and radon daughter
concentrations in 21 New Jersey and New York resi-
dences was investigated for two years. One week tine
integrated measurements of radon concentration and
working level were obtained simultaneously on several
floors of a building. These measurements were repeated
periodically to yield estimates of annual mean concen-
trations. Paticle size distributions were also studied
to estimate lung doses. Concentrations on the first
floors were 50% of those in cellars, and about equal
to those of second floors. The average bronchial dose was
150 mrad/yr. (8 graphs, 1 map, 26 references, 1 table)
(ENV)
THE DISTRIBUTION OF AVERAGE RADON DAUGHTER CONCENTRATIONS IN
HOUSES ESTIMATED FROM SINGLE-SAMPLE SURVEYS
(ENGLISH)
Scott, AG
DMSA ACRSS, 4195 DUNDAS ST W, Toronto M8X 1Y4 ,
Ontario, Canada
Health Physics, 45(2):435-538, 1983
Single-sample surveys have been used extensively since 1976
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to provide rapid estimates of the variation in radon and
daughter concentrations from community to community, to
determine the variability of concentrations in a community,
and as a guide to selection of premises for further investi-
gation. The distribution of readings taken in each survey
is approximately log-normal, which suggests that the WL in a
house depends on the product of many controlling factors. The
single-sample estimate was that 20% of the houses (400) were
above 20mWL. The derived distribution of means suggests that
viewpoint, as it represents approx. 1 year effort for the
existing Remedial Program. The revised number is close
to out present estimate that about 320 houses from the
original survey group were in excess of 20 mWL annual
mean. (SCI)
The Effects of Home Ventilation Systems on Indoor
Radon-Radon Daughter Levels
(Final rept. )
C. R.
Montgomery,
AL.
Windham, S. T. ; Savage, E. D. ; Philips,
Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility
Report No.: EPA/520/5-77-011
Oct 78 26p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI7911
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation
Programs is conducting a multifaceted study of the radiological.
implications of the phosphate mining and milling industry in the
United States. The study began in June 1974 and has concentrated
mainly on facilities located in Florida, North Caro^na, and
Idaho. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiological
impact of this industry on the environment and develop
appropriate radiation protection guidelines in areas where
existing controls are determined to be inadeguate. A study was
conducted in a house in Polk County, Florida, to determine
the effects of normal home ventilation methods on radon,
radon progeny, and working levels. Three ventilation conditions
were studied which approximate those found during normal
occupancy. The effects of the central air conditioner, the
central blower without air conditioning and outside air
ventilation were studied, with radon, radon progeny, and working
leval measurements made seguentially until significant changes
ceased to be observed. In all three experiments, radon, radon
progeny, and working levels decreased, with the decreases
corresponding to estimated increases in house ventilation rate.
(NTIS)
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EML (Environmental Measurements Laboratory) Indoor Radon
Workshop, 1982
George, AC; Lowder, W; Fisenne, I; Knutson, ED; Hinchliffe, L
Department of Energy, New York.
Environmental Measurements Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 062709001; 9512945
Sponsor: Department of Energy
Report No: DOE/EML-416; CONF-8211115-
Jul 83 120p
Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) Indoor Radon
Workshop, New York, NY, USA , 30 Nov 1982
Compart'sons are Tiade of lung cancer data from five groups
of miners exposed to a wide range of levels of air-borne
radioactive particles. Partly because of variable quality
of data for the different groups, alternative estimates
of lung cancer risk are used: incidence or mortality rates,
ratio of observed to expected rates and proportion of lung
cancer to all deaths. These three criteria agree that lung
cancer in mining groups tends to be directly proportional
to mean radiation exposure. After assuming linerarity of
this relationship and absence of a dose-rate effect, it is
estimated that one rad to the bronchial walls of one million
persons produces about one lung cancer per year, and that
the average integral dose required to produce one lung
cancer is 1.3 x 10(5th)gm rad. An exposure of 120 WIM
(estimated to equal 360 rad) appears to double the lung
cancer incidence characteristic of the general popula-
tion. (NTIS)
Evaluation of Waterborne Radon Impact on Indoor Air
Quality and Assessment of Control Options
(Final rept. of Oct83-Mar 84)
Becker, AP III; Lachajczyk, TM
Envirodyne Engineers, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Corp. Source Codes: 071546000
Sponsor: Industrial Environmental Research Lab.,
Research Triangle Park, NC
Report No.: EPA/600/7-84/093
Sep 84 146p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A07/MF A01
Country of Publication: United States
Journal Announcement: GRAI8425
Contract No.: EPA-68-02-3178
This research program was conducted with two objectives;
(1) evaluation of waterborne radon impacts on indoor air
1-6
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quality, and (2) assessment of available control techno-
logies to limit indoor exposure to radon and its decay
products. This report contains a revie of radon's physical,
chemical and radiological properties; a summary of its
decay chain: and a synopsis of health risks, existing
regulations, and recommendations concerning exposure
to radon and progeny. This report also presents assess-
ments of reported techniques for remocal of radon from
water or indoor air. Techniques evaluated for removal
of radon from water include decay, aeration, and
granular activated carbon. Techniques evaluated for
removal of radon and/or progeny from air include
circulation, various types of ventilation, filtration,
alecrostatic precipitation, charcoal adsorption, chem-
ical reaction, and space charging. Where the reports
examined inlude a sufficient amount of information to
do so, an evaluation of the cost, efficiency and
practicality of each technique is provided. (NTIS)
Factors Controlling
June 1983-May 1984
Harley, N. H.
New York. Univ., NY.
Corp. Source Codes:
Indoor Radon Levels. Annual Report,
Dept. of Environmental Medicine.
008702029; 4657000
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: DOE/GV/10374-4
31 May 84 31p
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8422; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC02-80EV10374
The factors which contribute to indoor radon levels were
investigated. Soil moisture content appears to be such a
factor and influences indoor radon levels in a subtle way. The
single family dwelling studied here is a typical suburban
home, with a full basement, two living levels
and a full attic. Seasonal data for 1981 to 1983 are shown by
hour (about 90 hours in each average) for the basement,
first floor and outdoors. A twenty-five story, 225 apartment,
high rise building has been under study for about the same time
interval. The apartment has five rooms, and is on the 24th floor.
Continuous monitors are located in a work room and outdoors on
a terrace. Data are available from the summer of 1981. 2
references, 12 figures, 9 tables. (ERA citation 09:034297)
(NTIS)
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IMPROVED PROCEDURES FOR ESTIMATING ANNUAL AVERAGE
CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON AND ITS DECAY PRODUCTS IN HOUSES
(ENGLISH)
BRUNO RC? ISRAELI M; MAGNO PJ
US EPA,OFF RADIAT PROGRAMS/WASHINGTON//DC/20460
HEALTH PHYSICS, 45(1): 255-255, 1983
The magnitude of the potential impact on public health from
exposure of populations to indoor radon and its decay products
creates a need for inexpensive and logistically simple pro-
cedures for estimating long-term average (e.g. yearly) concen-
trations in houses. The author's approach toward developing
improved estimation procedures involves building a data base
of field measurements over a full year in a large number of
houses using a variety of instruments and sampling periods.
They then use this data to determine confidence levels of
estimates derived through a variety of measurement/sampling
procedures. Their objectives are to develop a survey tool for
characterizing the distribution of levels in a region, and
a decision tool for determining whether yearly average levels
exceed some choson action level.(SCI)
INDOOR AIR POLLUTION: THE EXPERIENCE WITH RADON,
OSWALD, R. A. ; ALTER H. W.; GINGRICH J. E.
TERRADEX CORP, CA,
ISES/SOLAR ENERGY SOCIETY OF CANADA ENERGEX 8TH CONF, REGINA,
CANADA, AUG 23-29, 82, VI, P46 (5)
CONCERN HAS BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE INCREASING RISKS OF LUNG
CANCER ASSOCIATED WITH ELEVATED INDOOR LEVELS OF RADON.
THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF INDOOR RADON IS RADIUM IN UNDERLYING
SOILS AND ROCKS AND IN BUILDING MATERIALS. INDOOR CONCENTRATIONS
OF THIS RADIOISOTOPE CAM INCREASE AS A RESULT OF ENERGY CONSER
NATION MEASURES WHICH REDUCE AIR INFILTRATION AND VENTILATION.
TRACK ETCH DETECTORS HAVE BEEN USED TO MEASURE RADON LEVELS
WHICH IN SOME AREAS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO EXCEED 20 PCI/L. (3
DIAGRAMS, 1 GRAPH, 2 PHOTOS, 14 REFERENCES, 2 TABLES)(ENV)
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Indoor Radiation Exposures From Radon and Its Daughters:
A View of the Issue
Nero, Jr, AV
California Univ., Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley Lab
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No: LBL-10525
Aug 81 27p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MFA01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8219
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
Exposure to radon daughters indoors can result in signifi-
cant risk to the general public, particularly to those
living in homes with much higher than average concentration.
This paper reviews what is known about indoor concentrations,
associated risks, and the effect of measures to save energy
by reducing ventilation rates. It concludes that, by employing
appropriate control measures in homes having unacceptably high
concentrations, the average exposure (and therefore risk) of
the general public can remain at its present level, or even
decrease, despite programs to save energy by tightening homes.
(NTIS)
Indoor Radiation Exposures from 222Rn and Its Daughters:
A View of the Issue
Nero, AV
Health Physics, 45(2):277-288, August 1983, 28 ref
CODEN: HLTPAO
Health implications of indoor radon (10043922) concentrations
are reviewed. Sources, concentrations, and exposures in
residences are examined. A wide range of concentrations has
been observed. The main factors affecting concentration are
the radon input rate and the ventilation rate. Building
materials and the soil and rock underlying buildings and
utilities affect radon-222 (14859677) within buildings.
The absolute and relative importance of those sources
depends on the structural type and location. Healthy risks
to building occupants arise from exposure to the short lived
radon-222 daughters. Estimates of the incidence of lung cancer
based on statistics from the occupational exposures of miners
suggest that 1000 to 2000 cases of lung cancer are due to such
domestic radon exposures. The relationship between improving
energy efficiency by reducing ventilation rates and health
risks is considered. It is calculated that a 20 percent
reduction in ventilation would produce a 25 percent increase
in radon concentrations and a similar increase in daughter
concentrations. Such ventilation improvements with no
attempts to reduce these higher radation levels would cause
an added 250 to 5000 lung cancer cases a year. Radon control
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strategies are suggested, particularly for houses that reduce
air changes below 0.5 per hour. Other pollution concentrations
would rise in these buildings, along with radon daughter
levels, causing concomitant health effects. However, reductions
might be achieved at the same time because of lowered energy use,
particularly reduced fossil exposures is suggested: one part
setting an acceptable average value for population exposures.
The author concludes that a vigorous program should be
undertaken to understnad the size and variability of radon
exposures in the United States, identifying the population
at risk, and undertaking programs to reduce such exposures.
(OSH)
The indoor radiological problem in perspective
Hurwitz, H jr
Genaral Electiic Company, Corporate Research
and Envelopment, Schenectady, NY 12345
RISK ANALYSIS/ (USA) 1983, 3(l):63-77
CODEN: RIAND
Languages: Eng1ish
Measures to tighten homes to conserve energy, as are being encour-
aged and subsidized by federal and state governments, may reduce
air infiltration by 20% or more. Standard prudent risk-assessment
methodologies predict that, due to increased levels of indoor
radon caused by this reduction in ventilation, the added lifetime
lung cancer risk to members of the public is of order 200/million
people exposed. In situations where the radon source term is un-
usually high, or extreme reductions in ventilation are made, the
added risk can be more than an order of magnitude greater. While
these imputed risks are far outside the range that is normally
acceptable, variations in radon source term and the health effects
of: indoor radon are being deemphasized. The technical background
is presented in some detail, and implications with regard to
management of risks to the public are discussed.(EMB)
Indoor radon concentrations
Moschandreas, DJ? Rector, HE
Environment International, 1982 8(l-6):77
The indoor air of 60 residences in and around a Maryland suburb
of Washington, DC was monitored in a pilot study to determine
residential radon concentrations. In each residence, a radon
grab sample was acquired in the living room, and if possible in
the basement. Infiltration rates were determined by tracer gas
dilution. To help standardize sampling conditions, each home
remained closed up for 8 hours prior to sampling and during
analysis. Over 60% of the residences sampled showed air filtra-
tion rates below 0,6 air changes per hour. Approximatley 55%
of all surveyed basements and 30% of all surveyed living areas
displayed radon concentrations in excess of 4.0 nCi m -3.
Assuming an equilibrium factor of 0.5, thse radon levels may
lead to working levels above the annual guidelines suggested
by EPA for Florida homes built on land reclaimed from phosphate
mining. (ENVB)
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Indoor radon measurements in the New York Capital District
Fleischer, RL; Turner, LG
General Electric Research Development Center,
Schenectady, NY 12301
Health Phys, 1984, 46(5):999-1011
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: English
Radon-222 concentrations have been measured in 21 'energy-
efficient' homes and 14 conventional homes in the New York
Capital District. Usual concentrations are averaged over
six^nonth or twelve-month periods using solid-state track
detectors. Full-year averages are available for 23 of the
homes, and the winter-to-summer variations have been observed.
In a number of cases, sup 2sup 2 sup 2Rn. Two major patterns
emerge. The living areas of the energy-efficient homes with-
out heat-storage masses have median radon concentrations
that are 1.6 times those for conventional homes, and the
energy-efficient homes with heat storage masses have four
to five times the sup 2 sup 2 sup 2Rn of conventional homes.
(EMB)
INDOOR RADON PROGENY AEROSOLS-PROPERTIES, DYNAMICS,
AND EFFECTS
(ENGLISH)
Martell, EA; Sweder, KS
Natl Ctr Atmospher Res/Boulder/ CO/ 80307
ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
v!87, APR, p52, 1984
(SCI)
INDOOR RADON SOURCES, CONCENTRATIONS, AND STANDARDS
(ENGLISH)
Nero, AV
Univ Calif Berkeley; Lawrence Berkeley Lab,
Berkeley/ CA / 94720
TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN NUCLEAR SOCIETY, 39:83-84, 1981
Indoor exposures to daughters of RN222 contribute signifi-
cantly to the radiation dose that the general public receives.
Controlling such exposures is complicated by the fact that
indoor radon concentrations vary substantially from one geo-
graphical area to another and even one home to another; the
major cause of this variation appears to be the source magni-
tude, defined as the rate at which radon enters the home.
Even for concentrations considered to be typical in U.S.
housing, the attendant risk of lung cancer that may be esti-
mated, although relatively low, is sufficient to warrant
attention. Moreover, for the small proportion of the popu-
lation living in homes where radon concentrations are higher
than average, the risk of developing cancer could be increased
a few percent over their lifetime. Survey programs and air
quality standards should be designed to give special attention
to those at high risk.(SCI)
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INTEGRATED ALPHA AND GAMMA RADIATION MEASUREMENTS IN DWELLING
HOUSES (RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES, & HOUSING EPI-
DEMIOLOGY)
Paripas, B; Takacs, S; Somogyi,G; Nikl, I
PUBLIC HEALTH & EPIDEMIOLOGY INST, HUNGARY
WHO/ et al 3rd Intl Indoor Air Quality & Climate Conf,
Stockholm, Sweden, Aug 20-24, 84, v2, pl!3(6)
A solid state nuclear track detector method was applied to
determine radon and alpha exposures in houses in Hungary.
A mathematical description of the method of measurement by
a passive device equipped with two plastic sheets is pre-
sented. Mean exposures due to thoron and its progeny were
estimated by statistical methods. A possible connection be-
tween the measured quantities and the lung cancer rates in
two settlements is assessed. (1 diagram, 5 graphs, 8 references,
4 tables) (ENV)
INTEGRATED MEASUREMENT OF INDOOR RADON WITH A PASSIVE
CHARCOAL DEVICE
(ENGLISH)
George,AC
US DOE, Environm Measurements Lab/New York/NY/10014
Health Physics, 43(1):122, 1982
Activated charcoal collectors were tested to determine their
adsorption and retention characteristics for radon. Tests at
typical indoor conditions of temperature and relative humidity
indicate that simple inexpensive and maintenance free passive
devices containing 150-200g of activated carbon can measure
radon conveniently and adequately. Under radon concentration
conditions encountered indoors and for an integration period
shorter than the 3.8 day half-life of radon, the quantity
adsorbed in the container is determined by counting the gamma
rays from the decay products of radon. The lower limit of detection
for radon is 0.2 pCi/L for an exposure period of 60 hours.
Greater sensitivity can be obtained with larger devices con-
taining charcoal with larger surface area. The calibration
of the device is described. (SCI)
INTEGRATED RADON DATA FROM DWELLINGS IN MAINE AND TEXAS
(ENGLISH)
Prichard, HM; Gesell, TF; Hess, CT; Weiffenbach, C;
Nyberg, P
Univ Texas, Sch Publ Hlth/Houston/TX/77025;
Univ Maine/Orono/ME/04469
US EPA, Off Radiation Programs/Las Vegas/NV/89114
Health Physics, 45(2):428-432, 1983
(SCI)
1-12
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International Meeting on Radon-Radon Progeny Measurements-
Proceedings held on August 27-28, 1981
Dingle Associates, Inc., Washington, DC
Corp. Source Codes: 074434000
Sponsor: Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC
Report No.: EPA-520/5-83-021
Sep 83 284p
Languages: Eng1i sh
Document type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A13/MfA01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8403
Country of Publication: United States
EPA sponsored a two-day international meeting on radon
and radon progeny measurements. The purpose of the meeting
was to promote an interchange of information between inter-
national experts. The meeting format included formal pre-
sentations and direct discussions. Eighteen papers were
presented on such topics as measurement programs using
such instruments and methods. This publication contains
the complete texts of 15 papers, abstracts of two papers,
and edited transcripts of open discussions, "Instrumen-
tation and Measurement Methods' and 'Measurements and
Related Topics'. (NTIS)
July 1984 and February 1985 Radon Intercomparison
Fisenne, IM; George, AC; Keller, H
Department of Energy, New York
Environmental Measurements Lab
Corp. Source Codes: 062709001; 9512945
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: EML-445
Aug 85 31p
Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche
products.
Original copy available until stock is exhausted.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8526; NSA1000
Country of Publication: United States
This report summarizes the results of the July 1984 and
February 1985, the seventh and eighth, radon intercom-
parison exercises held at the Environmental Measurements
Laboratory. Twenty-eight organizations, including six US
Federal facilities, one national laboratory, four state
laboratories, eight universities, six private sector
facilities, and three non-US laboratories participated in
these exercises. The results indicate reasonable agreement
among the participants at the sup 222 Rn concentration level of
35 pCi/L exp-1. (6 figures, 8 tables) (ERA citation 10:
045123) (NTIS)
1-13
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LONG-TERM ENVIRONMENTAL RADON-222 MEASUREMENTS IN A SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING
Harley, NH; Altman, SM
New York Univ Sch Med., 550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016
27th Annual Meeting of the Health Physics Society, Las Vegas,
NV, USA, June 17-July 1, 1982
Health Phys, 43(1):122, 1982
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: Eng1i sh
Hourly measurements of Rn-222 have been made simultaneously
indoors and outdoors at a single family dwelling in northern
New Jersey. These measurements are ongoing and about one year
of data have been collected to determine diurnal and seasonal
cycles. The measurements were performed using a monitor for
continuous measurement of Rn-222 which does not depend upn
measurement of s'lort-lived Rn-222 daughters. The detector
consists of a 12.7 cm diameter cylinder ipen at both ends and
lined with alpha phosphor mounted on a 12.7 cm photomultiplier
tube. Also the correlations of indoor Rn-222 with outdoor
Rn-222 concentration, a few fundamental meteorological para-
emeters, and emanation from the soil beneath the structure
are also described. (BIO)
LONG-TERM MEASUREMENT OF RADON IN A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
AND ITS CORRELATION WITH SELECTED METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES
(ENGLISH)
Harley, NH; Altman, SM
NYU, Sch Med/New York/NY/10016
Health Physics, 45(1):254-255, 1983
Hourly indoor and outdoor measurements of Rn-222 in a single
family dwelling have been made in northern New Jersey since
April 1981. Several meteorological pararoters such as tem-
perature, pressure, humidity, windspeed and direction, and
soil heat flux have also been measured since July 1982. The
radon monitors consist of a 12.5 cm diameter cylinder open
at both ends and lined with zinc sulfide alpha phosphor
and sit on a 12.5 cm phototube. The variability of indoor
radon is adequately described by the measured parameters.
(SCI)
MEASUREMENT OF INDOOR RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS
(ENGLISH)
Fenyes, EJ; Kinslow, RH
Univ Texas/Richardson/TX/75083
Health Physics, 47(1):204, 1984
Indoor radon concentrations have been measured in a 10 year
1-14
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old two-story building of the University of Texas at
Dallas. Variations of the radon concentration from
the basement to the second floor in offices, class-
rooms, laboratories, storage rooms, corridors and other
locations have been studied. Seasonal variations of the
above concentrations and their dependence on ventilation
rates and water usage have been measured. From these*
data the radiation exposure of students and university
personnel from radon-222 and its daughters were esti-
mated. The results are compared with preliminary results
obtained from indoor radon measurements carried out in
conventional and energy saving homes, hospitals and
industrial buildings in the Dallas area. The health
aspects of indoor radon pollution in homes and at work
are discussed. (SCI)
MEASUREMENT OF INDOOR RADON-222 CONCENTRATIONS USING THE
SCINTILLATION FLASK TECHNIQUE
V~asquez,GM; Schlapper,GA
Nuclear Eng Dep, Texas A & M Univ.
College Station, TX 77802
30th Annual Meeting of the Health Physics Society,
Chicago, IL, May 26-31, 1985
Health Physics, 49(1):133, 1985
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: English
Rn-222 concentrations were measured in several buildings
on the Texas A & M University campus using (air grab)
scintillation flasks. Sampling was scheduled so that
daily and weekly variations in radon levels could be
evaluated. Using these results, doses to lungs was
estimated for students and other university staff at
various times of the day and week. For completeness,
the Rn-226 content of the soil was determined near the
buildings of interest, and radon emanation rates through
concrete surfaces were also measured. Soil analysis was
performed on a high resolution GeLi detector and radon
emanation rates were obtained using the accumulator
method. During the presentation, data acquired will be
compared to literature values from similar studies. (BIO)
MEASUREMENT OF TIME-INTEGRATED RADON CONCENTRATIONS IN
RESIDENCES
Nyberg, PC; Bernhardt, DE
US Environmental Protection Agency, Office Radiation
Programs-LVF, P.O. Box 18416, Las Vegas, NV, 89114
Health Physics, 45(2): 539-543, 1983
(BIO)
1-15
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Measurements of r^don-daughter particle size.
Knutson, EO; George, AC: Knuth, RH: Koh, BR
Environmental Measurement?; Laboratory, U.S.
Department of Energy, New York, NY 10014
RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY, (ENGLAND) 1984,
7(1-4):121-125
CODEN: RPDOD
Languages: Eng1ish
(EMB)
Measurements of radon in residential buildings in Maryland
and Pennsylvania, USA
George, AC; Duncan, M; Franklin, H
Environmental Mesurements Laboratory, U.S. Department of
Energy, New York, NY 10014
RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY,(ENGLAND) 1984, 7(1-4):
291-294
CODEN: RPDOD
Languages: Eng1i sh
(EMB)
Observation of high concentrations of radon in certain houses
Rundo, J; Markun, P: Plondke, NJ
Argonne National Lab, Argonne, IL 60439
Health Phys, (England) 1979, 36(6) .-729-30
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: English
There is a paucit/ of data on the normal levels of radon in
houses in this country. It should be noted that these radon
concentrations were determined directly, whereas the values
noted were inferred from determinations on the short-lived
daughters of radon. The authors report that they observed
much higher concentrations of radon in some houses in the
Chicago area; the high levels were unrelated to excessive
radioactivity in building materials, or to the presence of
uranium mine tailings in the foundations, and they should
be regarded as 'normal1. This work was supported by the
Department of Energy; more details will be published else-
where. (EMB)
1-16
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Physical Processes Affecting Levels of Radon, Thoron,
and Their Decay Products in an Indoor Environment.
Technical Progress Report, June 1, 1984-D9cember 31, 1985
Wilkening, M; Schery, SD
New Mexico Inst of Mining and Technology, Socorro
Corp. Source Codes: 01264000; 461500
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: DOE/ER/60216-TI
31 Mar 85 5p
Portions of this document are illegible
in microfiche products.
Languages: Eng1i sh
NTIS Prices: PCA02/MP A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8515; NSA1000
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AS04-34ER60216
Highlights of work performed under this contract include
completion of indoor air studies at an experimental house
on the university campus, publication and submission for
publication of nation-wide measurements of thoron and
thoron daughters, commissioning of an aerosol spectro-
meter (matching funds provided by NMIMT), and completion
of a three-year radon study of housing in Socorro, NM,
using passive monitors. Current work centers on a com-
arison of indoor and outdoor radioactivity and ion mea-
surements, mathematical moedling of radon transport
through heterogeneous media, and modeling of physical
factors affecting indoor thoron and its daughters.
(ERA citation 10:021660) (NTIS)
Radiation in Buildings. The Inconvenience About Radon
and How to Counteract it.
Statens Planverk, Stockholm (Sweden)
Corp Source Codes: 072360000; 9860009
Report No.: SPV-54
1981 118p
In Swedish. U.S. Sales only.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A06/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8312
Country of Publication: Sweden
The report presents facts about radiation, its origin and
risks. It is stated that the natural radiation is dependent
on the bedrock. Various control methods and ways to reduce
high radiation levels are described. The information is based
upon prosent-day knowledge of the inconvenience about radon.
(Atomindex citation 13:658859) (NTIS)
1-17
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Radiation Protection Information. Naturally Occurring
Radiation in the Nordic Countries-Levels
Statens Inst foe Straalehygiejne, Copenhagen, Denmark
Corp. Source Codes: 084512000; 5962100
Sponsor: Institute of Radiation Protection, Helsinki
Finland; Geislavarnir Rikisins, Reykjavik, Iceland;
Statens Inst. for Strallehygiene, Oslo, Norway; Statens
Straalskyddsinstitut, Stockholm, Sweden
Report No.: INIs-MF-9683
1985 27p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8524
Country of Publication: Denmark
From the measurements and discussions presented in this
report, the following conclusions may be drawn: The
population dose From naturally occurring radiation is
on the average lower in Denmark and much lower in Iceland
than in the other Nordic countries. In Sweden, Finland
and Norway, the largest contributors to the population
doses from naturally occurring radiation are radon
daughters in indoor air. Fro Denmark and Iceland, radon
daughters contribute aboutr the same to the total effec-
tive dose equivalent as the external gamma radiation.
Some groups of people in the Nordic countries are highly
exposed to radon daughters. In some cases, the received
doses are very high (higher than the dose limit for
radiation workers). From the conclusions above, the radon
daughter problem should be given priority, at least in
Sweden, Finland and Norway, especially regarding the
search for population groups receiving the highest doses.
(Atomindex citation 16:034499) (NTIS)
Radioactive aerosols produced by radon in room air.
Mercer, TT; Stowe, WA
Inhaled Part Vap, (England), 1970, 2(3):839-851
ISSN: DGOM-0000
Journal Code: COM
Languages: English(EMB)
Radioactive emissions and radon
Barley, JH
Environ Meas Lab, United States, Dept Energy, New York, NY
Bull NY Acad Med, 1981, 57(10):883-896
CODEN: BNYMA
Languages: English
The dose to the bronchial epithelium delivered by the alpha-
emitting daughters of radon-222 is the highest radiation dose
received by man from natural sources. Indoor concentrations
are several times larger than those found outdoor, and because
1-18
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urban man spends over 90% of his time indoors, those
exposures are worth study. This paper summarizes avail-
able concentration data and describes the associated
doses and possible health implications. Environmental
radon daughter exposures can possibly cause some
fraction of the lung cancer incidence in nonsmokers.
On the other hand, the existing radon daughter con-
centrations and 'spontaneous' lung cancer rates place
an upper limit on the possible radiation effects for
this specific case. There has been some concern that
energy conservation treasures involving reduced venti-
lation in homes will increase exposures to radio-
activity as well as to other toxic agents in indoor
air. At present, sufficient ventilation data are not
available for a sound assessment. Several areas in the
United States have enhanced levels of radon daughters
in indoor air. Any effects of this exposure cannot be
detected epidemiologically, but there is still pressure
to set regulatory standards for new construction and
for possible remedial action in older homes. The com-
plex social, economic, and political fetors involved
are not touched on here, but will probably control
the practical outcome of any standard-setting actions.
(EMB)
Radioactivity (Radon and Daughter Products) as a Potential
Factor for Building Ventilation
(Final Rept.)
Kusuda, T; Hunt, CM; McNall, PE
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
Corp Source Codes: 240800
1979 5p
Pub. in American Society of Haating, Refrigeration, and
Air-Conditioning Engineers Jnl, 21, n7, p30-34, Jul 79
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: Not available NTIS
Journal Announcement: GRAI7921
Awareness has developed in the United States, particularly
within the last five years, that traces of radioactive radon
gas and its daughter products are present in varying amounts
in the indoor air. Some of the existing literature on the
subject is briefly reviewed and discussed. It is recommended
that further attention be given to quantify radon concentration
data pertinent to the environmental health aspects of venti-
lation requirements from the standpoint of indoor air quality
consistent with building energy conservation. (NTIS)
1-19
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Radon and its Daughters in Energy-Efficient Buildings
Nero, AV; Boegel, ML; Hollowell, CD; Ingersoll, JG;
Nazaroff, WW
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp Source Codas: 005029222; 9513034
Report No.: LBL-10775; CONF-810153-2
Nov 80 9p
Special symposium on natural radiation environment,
Bombay, India, 19 Jan 1981
Portions of document are illegible
Languages: English
Document type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8307; NSA0700
Countr/ of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC03-76SF00098
Our group has been carrying out work on several aspects of
radon and its daughters indoors. Wa have measured radon eman-
ation rates and radionuclide concentrations in building mater-
ials, performed surveys of radon and daughter concentrations in
residences, begun to examine control technologies and stra-
tegies and devoted significant efforts to instrumentation
developments. To more completely characterize radon and its
daughters indoors, more substantial efforts are needed on the
questions of geologic distribution of radon, transport into
structures, daughter behavior indoors and instrument response
under various conditions. (ERA citation 07:060167)(NTIS)
RADON AND ITS PROGENY IN THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Tartaglia, Mark; Dinardi, Salvatore R.: Ludwig, Jerry
Univ of Massachusetts
J Env Health, Sept-Oct 84, 47(2):62
Radon 222 gas and its daughter products have been recognized
as indoor air contaminants. Measured concentrations of radon
and its progeny in many structures exceed recommended levels.
Sources of indoor radon are identified, and the influence of
various building and meteorological factors and parameters
on indoor radon levels are discussed. Attendant health effects
and appropriate control measures are surveyed. (1 graph,
27 references, 1 table)(5NV)
RADON AND RADON DAUGHTERS DUE TO NATURAL URANIUM
OCCURRENCES IN A RURAL ONTARIO COMMUNITY
Taniguchi, H; Vasudev, P
Canada Radiation Protection Bureau, Ottawa
Presented at DOE/Univ of Texas, Natural Radiation Env
3rd Intl Sym, Houston, Apr 23-28, 78 v2, p!623(10)
The results of a survey of radon 222 and its short-lived
daughters in 343 homes in the rural community of March
Township, Ontario Province, Canada, are reported. Aerial
gamma ray spectrometry carried out over the 90 sq km area
1-20
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showed the presence of up to 5 ppm uranium. The arith-
metic average value of the raon daughters in the basement
of these hones was 0.014 .0.026 working level. Thirteen
percent of these residences had radon daughter concen-
trations exceeding an arbitrary reference value of
0.02 v*orking level. (4 graphs, 1 map, 9 references,
1 table) (ENV)
Radon and thoron daughters in housing
Gunning, C.; Scott, A.G.
DSMA/ACRES, 4195 Dundas St. W., Toronto, Ontario,
Canada M8X 1Y4
HEALTH PHYS VOL. 42, NO. 2, pp. 527-528, Publ.Yr: 1982
SUMMARY LANGUAGE - ENGLISH
Languages: ENGLISH
Although the thorium activity is at least equal to the uranium
activity in the surface environment at Elliot Lake, the WL(Tn)
in houses is insignificant compared with the WL(Rn), and the
remedial action limit of 20 mWL(Rn). Exceptions to this may
occur in commerical buildings where there aro large areas of
unpainted concrete and poor ventilation, and in those few cases
where the transit time of soil gas into the building is so short
that the thoron does not decay significantly in transit.(POL)
Radon-Daughter Exposures in Energy-Efficient Buildings
Nero, AV: Bark, JV; Boegel, ML; Hollowell, CD;
Ingersoll, JG
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: LBL-11052; CONF-800389-4
Oct 81 lOp
Specialist meeting on assessment of radon and daughter
exposure and related biological effects, Rome, Italy,
3 Mar 1980
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8219
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
1-21
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A radon concentration of 1 pCI/L (37 Bq/m exp 3) appears
to lie in the range that is typical for air inside US
residential buildings. Moreover, some US residences have
concentrations higher than 1 pCi/L, sometimes by an order
of magnitude, implying significant individual risk to
occupants. For typical radon daughter equilibrium ratios,
this concentration corresponds to a radon daughter exposure
rate of 0.2 working level months (WLM) per year. This exposure
rate may account for a significant lung cancer incidence
if data on lung cancers per unit exposure in miners are
applicable to such low exposures. Reductions in air
exchange rates may rise the typical exposure rate and
even increase it to unacceptable levels in some cases.
Measures that reduce energy use by reducing natural infil-
tration or mechanical ventilation in new or retrofit build-
ings are therefore undergoing severe scrutiny. Lawrence
Berkeley Laboratory has performed measurements in buildings
specifically designed to use energy efficiently or utilize
solar heating. In many of these buildings radon concentra-
tions appear to arise primarily from soil underlying the
buildings. Measures to control higher levels, e.g., by
mechanical ventilation with heat recuperation, appear to
be economical. However, to evaluate energy-saving programs
adequately requires a much more comprehensive characteri-
zation of radon sources (for example,, by geographical
area) and a much fuller understanding of the dynamics of
radon and its daughters indoors than now exist.(NTIS)
1-22
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Radon in Buildings: Proceedings of a Roundtable Discussion
of Radon in Buildings Held at Gaithersburg, Maryland on June 15,
1979
(Final rept.)
Colle, R. ; McNall, Jr, Preston E.
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC.
Corp. Source Codes: 004692000
Report No.: NBS-SP-581
Jun 80 88p
Library of Congress catalog card no. 80-600069.
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A05/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8019
Country of Publication: United States
This is the proceedings of a Roundtable Discussion of Radon in
Buildings held June 15, 1979 at the National Bureau of
Standards in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The meeting brought
together a number of participants with diverse interdisciplinary
interest in radiation protection, radiation measurement and
building technology, provided a forum to exchange information,
and drew attention to some of the problems and research needs
associated with radiation exposure due to radon in buildings.
Emphasis was placed on (1) the characterization of the sources
and pathways of radon in buildings; (2) the biological and
health effects; (3) measurement considerations; and (4)
strategies and control technologies to minimize indoor radiation
exposure.(NTIS)
Radon in Dwellings. Field Study, Part 1
Erikson, BE; Boman, CA; Nyblom, L; Swedjemark, GA
National Swedish Inst. for Building Research, GA
Corp. Source Codes: 075131000; 9860033
Jun 80 87p
In Swedish.
U.S. Sales only. Available in microfiche only.
Languages: Swed i sh
NTIS Prices: MF A01
Country of Publication: Sweden
This report presents the function of the ventilation by
natural draught in three-storey houses. In sane cases also
the measurement of gamma radiation, radon and radon daughters
was made. The investigation took place in Uppsala.
(Atomindex citation 12:596009) (NTIS)
Radon in dwellings and influencing factors.
Stranden E; Berteig L
Health Phys ,Aug 1980, 39 (2) p275-84,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H
Languages: ENGLISH(ENV)
1-23
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Journal Announcement: 8103
Subfile: INDEX MEDICUS
Tags: Human
Seme factors that have influence upon the radon concentration
in dwellings are discussed in this paper. Measurements of the
exhalation rates from different building materials are presented
together with calculations of indoor radon concentrations. The
influence of wind and temperature upon the ventilation rate and
radon concentration in a test-house have been measured, and the
effect of airing and artificial ventilation upon the radon con-
centration is discussed.(MED)
Radon in earth-sheltered structures
Landa, Edward R.
Underground Space, 1984 VOL. 8, NO. 4, p. 264
Radon concentration in the indoor air of six residential and
three non-residential earth-sheltered buildings in eastern
Colorado was monitored quarterly over a nine-month period
using passive, intergrated detectors. Average radon concen-
trations during the three-month sampling periods ranged from
about 1 to 9 pCi/L, although one building, a poorly ventilated
storage bunker, had concentrations as high as 39 pCi/L. These
radon concentrations are somewhat greater than those typically
reported for conventional buildings (around 1 pCi/L); but they
are of the same order of magnitude as radon concentrations
reported for energy-efficient buildings which are not earth-
sheltered. (ENVB)
RADON MEASUREMENTS AND EMANATION STUDIES
Berk, JV; Boegel, ML; Ingersoll, JG; Nazaroff, W;
Stitt, BD; Zapalac, GH
LBNL, LBNL Energy & Energy Div, 1979 Report LBL-11650
Oct 80, p2-18(6)
The extent to which radon is a contaminant of indoor air
in residential buildings is being investigated. Energy
efficient and conventional residential structures were
monitored for radon and associated daughters. Emanation
rates from building materials were also measured. Preli-
minary reserch results are discussed. (4 diagrams, 4 graphs,
6 references) (5NV)
1-24
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RADON MEASUREMENTS IN BUILDINGS IN SOUTHERN AND WESTERN
WISCONSIN
McDonnell, LJ; Benetti, JC
State Wisconsin Division Health, Section Radiation
Protection, P.O. Box 309, Madison, Wisconsin 53701
30th Annual Meeting of the Health Physics Society,
Chicago, IL, May 26-31, 1985
Health Physics, 49(1):157, 1985
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: English
(BIO)
Radon Measurements Indoors. An Evaluation of Performed
Measurements
Joensson, G
Lund Inst of Tech (Sweden); Fysiska Institutionen
Corp. Source Codes: 016500015; 9860097
Report No: LUTFD2/TFKF-3038/1-29 (1983)
Feb 83 29p
In Swedish.
U.S. Sales only.
Languages: Swedish
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8502
Country of Publication: Sweden
Measurements of radon concentrations have been made using
photographic film detector? in the communities of Uppsala,
Soedertaelje and Tyresoe. The result from 6700 film expo-
sures in boht one-family and apartment houses are reported.
The fraction of dwellings with radon daughter concentrations
exceeding 200 Bq/m exp 3 is between 3 and 14 percent for one-
family houses and 0 ot 5 percent for apartment buildings.
8 to 68 percent of the one-family houses and 57 to 83 per-
cent of the apartment buildings had concentrations lower
than 70 Bq/m exp 3. The seasonal variations were reported
in one-family houses in Uppsala. In houses with low con-
centrations, the winter values were higher than the summer
values. For houses with high concentrations the reversed
variation was recorded, (Atomindex citation 14:783109)
(NTIS)
Radon-222 and progeny measurements in 'typical1 East
Tennesee residences
Goldsmith, WA; Poston, JW; Perude, PT; Gibson, MO
Health Saf Res Div, Oak Ridge Natl Lab, Oak Ridge, TN
Health Physics, 1983 45(l):81-88
CODEN: HLTPA
1-25
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Languages: English
Modified Wrenn chambers for continous monitoring of sup 2 sup
2 sup 2Rn, featuring several improvements including a computer-
assisted electronics package, have been developed at the Oak
Ridge National Laboratory. A field test of these instruments
was conducted by placing them in the homes of the staff
members. Field testing was conducted in seven homes for periods
ranging from 4 to 18 days. During this testing period, the
sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn concentration in these houses was monitored
continuously. Radon-222 concentrations in the basements of
three of the seven houses were in excess of 100 Bq/msup 3
almost continuously. One residence had instantaneous concen-
trations approaching 1000 Bq/msup 3. Samples of soil and build-
ing materials from these residences indicated that sup 2sup
2sup 2Rn concentrations were in the normal range (40 BqAg).
Radon progeny measurements were made in five of these houses
on a "typical1 day. Results obtained were as follows: for
basements, a geometric mean of 0.016 WL (geometric S.O. of
2.9); for upper floors a geometric mean of 0.014 WL (geometric
S.D. of 2.9). This paper summarizes the results obtained in
the field test.(EMB)
RADON TRANSPORT IN SOIL AND TTS RELATION TO INDOOR RADIOACTIVITY
(ENGLISH)
WILKENING M
NEW MEXICO INST MIN & TECHNOL/SOCORRO//NM/87801
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT , V45, OCT, P219-226, 1985
The transport of radon from soil to the indoor living space
involves diffusion and viscous flow in the soil coupled with
transfer to the building interior of radon-rich air which
accumulates in cavities and channels belcw and around the
foundations of buildings. Radon concentrations in soil pores
at depth are dependent upon the radium content of the soil,
emanating power for radium, and soil moisture content. Atmos-
pheric pressure fluctuation, thermal gradients in fractured
rocks, and air instabilities due to temperature differences
allow air of high radon content to reach living space in
dwellings in addition to that which comes directly from
building materials and other sources.(SCI)
Radon Transport Through and Exhalation From Building
Materials: A Review and Assessment
Colle, R.; Rubin, R.J.; Knab, L.I.: Hutchinson, J.M.R.
NBS, Washington, D.C. , USA
NTIS, SPRINGFIELD, VA
SUMMARY LANGUAGE - ENGLISH;
PB82-112384.
Languages: ENGLISH(POL)
1-26
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Regional geology and radon variability in buildings
Sachs H.M.; Hernandez T.L.; Ring J.W.
Cent. Energy Environ. Stud., Princenton Univ. Princeton,
NJ 08544 U.S.A.
ENVIRON. INT. (U.S.A.), 1982, 8/1-6 (97-103), Coden: ENVID
Languages: ENGLISH
Radon concentrations in dwellings vary by more than two orders
magnitude likely to be high requires studying the variability of
the contributors to radon in buildings. Among common sources,
geological factors (water supply and substrate) are the most
variable, whereas building materials are much less variable.
ventilation variation among houses is generally responsible for
radon variations comparable to those introduced by building
materials, but it is more significant at lower ventilation rates.
In some regions with relatively high proportions of housos with
elevated radon concentrations, mappable geological factors are
associated with most cases of higher radon concentrations.
However, a priori identification of rock types likely to be
implicated is likely to be successful in only a few cases.
(EMB)
Report of the Task Force on Radon in Structures
(Position paper)
Radiation Policy Council, Washington, DC.
Corp. Source Codes: 071604000
Report No.: RPC-80-002
15 Aug 80 146p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A07/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8114
Country of Publication: United States
The Task Force reviewed the physical and biological bases
for concern about radon exposures to the general public and
examined the status of Federal activities in four areas:
epidemiological studies; regulatory authorities; programs to
measure radon levels in homes; and the coordination of Federal
radon research. The Task Force concluded that Council attention
to this problem is warranted because of the possible prevalence
of relatively large exposures, a trend toward even higher exposures
due to improved energy efficiency in inhabited structures, the
risk from such exposures, and the potential large population at
risk. The Task Force concluded that wide ranging programs should
not be undertaken until more is known about the prevalence
of high exposures and ways of controlling them. The thr. !••-,<
should ->-:- towards developing an information bas-j '-hat w^ • .
al~:o* good polio/ decisions. Also concluded u-^s th^r a H'h-M ;r
1-27
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current Federal authority cannot address some radon exposure
situations, it would be premature to request additional authority
until the technical basis for determining radon levels and
reducing them is more fully established.(NTIS)
Results of a survey on radioactivity of building materials
in Italy
Sciocchetti G; Clemente GF; Ingrao G; Scacco F
Environ. Sci. Div., Enea-Cre-Casaccia, C.P. 2400-00100 ROMA
ITALY
Health Phys, 45(2): 385-8, 1983.
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
A program is underway in Italy to identify construction
materials with high radioactivity contents and to evaluate
the resulting indoor exposure on a nationwide scale. Building
materials included those of natural origin and those employing
particular byproducts such as fly ash and phosphogypsum. The
survey emphasized natural building materials, which were widely
used in man areas having particular geological features. First
results show that Itay included areas of high natural background,
i.e., in Lazio and Campania, in which high levels of indoor
exposure occurred that was directly related to specific acti-
vities of the building materials. 220Rn daughters were sometimes
present at such levels that their contribution to the lung
exposure was comparable to that from 222Rn daughters,(BIO)
Room for a Role for Radon in Lung Cancer Causation?
Axelson, O
Department of Occupational Medicine, University
Hospital, Linkoping, Sweden
Medical Hyotheses,(Canada) Jan 1984, 13(1):51-61
ISSN: 0306-9877
Journal Code: MOM
Languages: English
Reduced ventilation due to energy saving has focused interest
on a potential lung cancer risk from increased indoor con-
centations of alpha-emitting radon and radon daughters, esca-
ping from building materials and from the ground. Some preli-
minary studies now also indicate a hazard to be present as
related to radon daughter exposure in homes. However, the
indoor radon daughter levels have probably been continuously
increasing for half a century, especially in colder climates,
due to the introduction of central heating instead of stoves
and open fire places, reducing thermal ventilation. Furthermore,
in our time, many people have got additional exposure thorugh
extended indoor work time instead of earlier outdoor activities
in farming, etc. The steeply increasing lung cancer rates over
1-28
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the past decades as well as the various oddities affecting
the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, e.g. the
urban-rural difference in lung cancer risk, also after stan-
dardization for smoking, the influence of immigration on
lung cancer morbidity as well as varying rates around the
world and other observations, would obtain simple
explanations by taking radon daughter exposure into
account in addition to smoking. Then, also seme
curious and hitherto unexplained 'inverse1 relation-
ships between lung cancer and inhalation of cigarette
smoke or bronchitis in air-polluted areas, respectively
would become understandable.(MED)
SHRINKAGE CRACKS IN CONCRETE ARE A MAJOR ROUTE OF RADON ENTRY
INTO HOUSES
(ENGLISH)
KATCHMAR R; SCOT! A
DSMA ACRES/ELLIOT LAKE PSA 1Y6/ONTARIO/CANADA/
HEALTH PHYSICS , V37, N6, P801-801, 1979
Work at Elliot Lake suggested that the cause of high radon
levels (greater than 200 Bg/m-3) in homes was the entry of
gas carrying radon through shrinkage cracks between adjacent
pieces of concrete in the basement walls or floors. However,
the literature suggests that radon diffusion through con-
crete can also be a cause of high radon levels. The authors
suggest that it would be possible to reeduce radon concentra-
tions in homes by closing only the subgrade cracks rather
than applying a barrier to radon diffusion over the whole
subgrade surface. Subsequent remedial work based on this
principle has proved successful in lowering radon concen-
trations in houses.(SCI)
Some Aspects of Radon and Its Daughter-Products in Man
and His Environment
Rundo, J; Markun, F; Plondke, NJ; Sha, JY
Argonne National Lab, IL
Corp. Source Codes: 001960000; 0448000
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: CONF-810153-4
1981 9p
Special symposium on natural radiation environment.
Bombay, India, 19 Jan 1981
Portions are illegible on
microfiche products
Languages: Eng1ish
Document Type: Conference proceedings
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8317; NSA0800
1-29
-------
Country of Publications: United States
Contract No.: W-31-109-ENG-38
A major but short-lived postprandial increase in the
exhalation rate of radon by persons containing no
radium was observed. The concentrations of radon and
its short-lived daughter-products in houses was unusally
high (5 to 10 pCi 1 exp -1, 185 to 370 Bq m exp -3) in
some houses with unpaved crawl spaces, and with concrete
basements. External counting of radon daughter-products
in the residents of one of the radon-contaminated houses
indicated that there may be interference with the assay
of plutonium in the lungs of persons who live in those
houses. (ERA citation 08:024362) (NTIS)
Sources of indoor radon in houses: A review
Bruno, R.C.
Off. Radiat. Programs, U.S. EPA
J. AIR POLLUT. CONTROL ASSOC VOL. 33, NO. 2, pp. 105-109,
Publ.Yr: 1983:
SUMMARY LANGUAGE - ENGLISH
Languages: ENGLISH
The purpose of this paper is to examine the significant sources
of indoor radon as well as its primary pathways into the indoor
environment. While an exact modeling of indoor radon levaIs is
not possible, the simple analysis presented may be used to
determine the potential contribution of each source to the
total average radon concentration in a typical house. This
information is particularly valuable in assigning logical
priorities for the development of radon control measures and
devices which will be both practical and effective. Kor the
purpose of our analysis, a model of a typical house is defined
as a single story house with a floor area of 150 m super(2) and
a ceiling height of 2.5 m, enclosing an indoor volume of
375,000 L. It is assumed that the floor of the house Is a 10 cm
thick concrete on-grade slab and that an additional 150 m
super(2) of masonry are used for the house walls. Although it is
clear that this simplification is not an accurate physical
description of the average house, the conclusions which flow out
of our analysis would not be significantly different if a more
complex and realistic definition of a typical house wer^ used.
(BIO)
The variation of basement radon concentration with
barometric pressure
Hernandez, Thomas L.; Sachs, Harvey M.; Ring, James W.
Health Physics, 1984 VOL. 46, NO. 2 (February), p. 440
1-30
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By comparing 12 radon concentrations with Tucrobarometric data
during the period May-June 1981, it can be shown that higher
concentrations correspond to falling barometric pressure, while
the lower concentrations correspond to steady or rising pressure.
This concentration/pressure relationship is evidence that na-
turally occurring pressure gradients induce large variations
in the total time-dependent radon-source flux exhaling from all
basement surfaces (building materials and exposed soil).(RNVB)
1-31
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II. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
-------
II. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
AEROSOL PROPERTIES OP IMDOOR RADON DECAY PRODUCTS (RADON,
PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTTCULATES & HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY)
MARTELL EDWARD A.
NATL CENTER ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH, CO,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF,
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2 , P161(5)
LUNG CANCER RISKS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INDOOR RADON ARE DEPENDENT ON
PROPERTIES OF RADON PROGENY AEROSOLS, WHICH IN TURN ARE DEPENDENT
ON THE MATURE AND CONCENTRATION OF SMALL PARTICLES IN INDOOR
AIR. IN CLEAM FILTERED AIR, RADON PROGENY ARE ATTACHED TO SMALL
HYGROSCOPIC PARTICLES OF HIGH MOBILITY WHICH ARE RAPIDLY DEPOSITED
ON SURFACES. HOWEVER, PROGENY ATTACHED TO CIGARETTE SMOKE ARE ON
LARGE PARTICLES OF LOW MOBILITY WHICH PERSIST IN AIR.
(18 REFERENCES)(ENV)
Attachment of RaA ( super(218)Po) to Monodisperse Aerosol
Ho, W.-L.; Hopke, P.K.; Stukel, J.J.
1163 Valdost'a Rd., San Jose, CA
ATMOS. ENVIRON 16(4):825-836, 1982
SUMMARY LANGUAGE - ENGLISH
Languages: ENGLISH
An attachment kinetics system for contacting a known quantity
of radon (super(222)Rn) with monodisperse aerosol under carefully
controlled environmental conditions was developed to study the
attachment of RaA (super(218)Po) to monodisperse aerosols as a
function of particle size, particle concentration, particle
composition, temperature, relative humidity, radon concentration
and retention time. Monodisperse aerosols with diameters ranging
from 2 to 10 mu m were studied. A complete mathematical model
was derived to describe the whole experiment and relate the
measured quantities to the attachment constant. The olateout of
RaA onto the wall surface of the chamber was examined in terms
of a plateout constant in order to correct for the w^ll loss of
RaA in the attachment measurements. It was found that the
plateout constant decreases with increasing temperature and/or
relative humidity. From the attachment measurements, the
attachment constant was found to be proportional to particle
concentration and particle cross-section area and insensitive to
the surface composition of the particles. The probability of
an RaA particle collision leading to an attachment to the
surface is expressed as the sticking coefficient.(POL)
II-l
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CONTRIBUTION! OF SOIL GAS, POTABLE WATER, AND BUILDING MATERIAL
TO RADON IN U.S. HOMES (RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICIPATES &
HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY)
KOTHARI B. K.
NEW YORK STATE DEPT HEALTH, WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2, P85(8)
EXTENSIVE REGIONAL SURVEYS OF RADON DAUGHTERS IN DWELLINGS
HAVE REVEALED THAT RADON IN SOIL AIR IS THE PRIMARY SOURCE OF
INDOOR RADON POLLUTION IN SWEDEN. DOCUMENTATION OP THE NATURAL
RADIATION ENVIRONMENT IN A GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT IS INVALUABLE
FOR TRACING AREAS OF HIGH RADON RISK. CLASSIFICATION OF LAND
INTO HIGH, NORMAL, AND LOW RADON RISK AREAS IS NOW BEING APPLIED
IN THE COMPILATION OF RADON RISK MAPS. (1 DIAGRAM, 2 MAPS,
2 REFERENCES, 2 TABLES)(ENV)
The effect of humidity on the detection of radon.
Money M; Heaton B
Health Phys ,Nov 76, 31 (5) p456-7,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2Hde
The effect of humidity on radon emanation has been found to be of
secondary importance relative to other effects, especially pres-
sure, and is generally ignored when considering the external
factors affecting levels of radon detected by a sampling system.
(MED)
Effect of internal wall covers on radon emanation inside houses
Abu Jarad F.; Fremlin J.H.
Dep. Phys., Univ. Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT
UNITED KINGDOM
HEALTH PHYS. (U.S.A.) 1983, 44(3):243-248
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Most types of paint for the internal walls of houses will
reduce radon emanation from building materials. At the same
time, the effect of paint will increase the concentration of
radon inside the material itself and will increase the radon
emanation from unpainted areas. One type of wallpaper contains
6 and 0.3 ppm of uranium in its decorated and undecorated
surfaces, respectively, the coloring being the main source of
uranium. Other wallpapers appear to be free from uranium.
Wallpaper, gypsum and plaster may increase the radon activity
inside houses depending on their radium contents.(EMB)
II-,.
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Effect of Local Geology on Indoor Radon Levels: A Case Study
Hawthorne, AR; Gammage, RB; Dudney, CS
Oak Ridge National Lab, TN
Corp. Source Codes: 021310000; 4832000
Sponsor: Department of Energy
Report No.: CONF-840803-15
1984 8p
International conference on indoor air
quality and climate, Stockholm, Sweden, 20 Aug 1984
Paper copy only: copy does not permit microfiche production.
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8504; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC05-84OR21400
This paper presents the results of radon monitoring in 40 East
Tennessee homes that were a component of a larger study to
evaluate indoor air quality. Measurements were conducted during
two 3-month time periods with passive integrating track etch
monitors in each of the forty homes. In a subset of homes,
measurements were also conducted with a real-time monitor that
provided readings on an hourly basis. The results of the moni-
toring indicate that about 30% of the homes had radon levels
were associated with local variations in geology: most of the
homes having higher levels were located on the porous dolomite
ridge partially surrounding Oak Ridge, Tennessee.( 7 reference,
3 figures, 2 tables) (NTIS)
INDOOR RADON DAUGHTER CONCENTRATIONS AND PASSIVE SMOKING
(RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY)
BERGMAN HANS ; EDLING CHRISTER; AXELSON OLAV
UNIV HOSPITAL, SWEDEN,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF,
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2 , P79(6)
RADON DAUGHTERS ARE KNOWN TO ATTACH TO AEROSOL PARTICLES. THE
EXTEND TO WHICH RADON DAUGHTERS IN INDOOR AIR MIGHT ATTACH TO
CIGARETTE SMOKE WAS RESEARCHED. EXPERIMENTS SHOWED THAT MODERATE
CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON DAUGHTERS INDOORS COULD MORE THAN DOUBLE
IN THE PRESENCE OF CIGARETTE SMOKE. THE RADON DAUGHTER LEVELS
OBTAINED WITH SMOKE MAY IMPLY A SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF LUNG CANCER
FOR BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SMOKERS. (4 GRAPHS, 14 REFERENCES)
(ENV)
LONG-TERM MEASUREMENT OF RADON IN A SINGLE FAMILY
DWELLING AND ITS CORRELATION WITH SELECTED METEOROLOGICAL
VARIABLES (ENGLISH)
II-3
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HARLEY MH; ALTMAN SM
NYU,SCH MED/NEW YORK//NY/10016
HEALTH PHYSICS , 45(1): 254-255, 1983
Hourly indoor and outdoor measurements of Rn-222 in a single
family dwelling have been made in northern New Jersey since
April 1981. Several meteorological parameters such as temper-
ature, pressure, humidity, windspeed and direction and soil
heat flux have also been measured sine? July 1982. The
radon monitors consist of a 12.5 cm diameter cylinder open
at ooth ends and lined with zinc sulfide alpha phosphor and
sit on a 12.5 cm phototube. The variabilit/ of indoor radon
is adequately described by the measured parameters.(SCI)
MAPPING THE RADON RISK OF OUR ENVIRONMENT (RADON,
PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY)
WILSON CAROLE
SWEDISH GEOLOGICAL, SWEDEN,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF
Stockholm, Aug 20-24, 84, v2, p85(8)
Extensive regional surveys of radon daughters in dwellings
have revealed that radon in soil air is the primary source
of indoor radon pollution in Sweden. Documentation of the
natural radiation environment in a geological context is
invaluable for tracing areas of high radon risk. Classifi-
cation of land into high, normal and low r^don risk ^reas
is now being applied in the compilation of radon risk maps.
(1 diagram, 2 maps, 2 references, 2 tables) (ENV)
Measurement of exp 222 Rn Indoors and Outdoors. Progress
Report, June 1, 1982-May 31, 1983
Harley, N. H. ; Altman, S. M.
New York Univ. Medical Center, NY.
Corp. Source Codes: 013007000; 4665000
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: DOE/EV/10374-3
1983 69p
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A04/MF A01
Journal Announcment:GRAI8408; NSA0800
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC02-80EV10374
Research progress is reported on a study of the levels and
variability of Radon 222 both indoors and outdoors. Sensors
were deployed in a single family dwelling and in a high-rise
apartment building. Temperature, pressure, relative humidity,
rainfall, and wind data were also collected at these sites.
Modeling of indoor radon concentrations has been initiated.
(ERA citation 08:039358)(NTIS)
-------
Measurement of indoor radon concentrations in public
buiIdings
(English)
Fenyves, EJ; Kinslow, RH
Univ Texas/Richardson/TX/75083
Health Physics, 47(1):204, 1984
Indoor radon concentrations have been measured in a 10 year
old two-story building of the University of Texas at Dallas.
Variations of the radon concentration from the basement to
the second floor in offices, classrooms, laboratories,
storage rooms, corridors and other locations have been
studied. Seasonal variations of the above concentrations
and their dependence on ventilation rates and water usage
have been measured. From these data the radiation exposures
of students and university personnel from radon-222 and its
daughters were estimated. The results are compared with pre-
liminary results obtained from indoor radon measurements
carried out in conventional and energy saving homes, hospitals
and industrial buildings in the Dallas area. The health aspects
of indoor radon pollution in homes and at work are discussed.
(SCI)
Measurement of Radon in Dwellings 1955-81
Mjoenes, L.
Statens Straalskyddsinstitut, Stockholm (Sweden).
Corp. Source Codes: 100859000; 5966500
Report No.: SSI-A-82-07
4 May 82 32p In Swedish.
U.S. Sales Only.
Languages: Swedish
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8326
Country of Publication: Sweden
The results are presented in two sets, namely measurements
made 1955-56 and measurements after 1972. The results
include measurements from 549 dwellings. The classification
of the buildings has the following four categories: type of
house, ventilation system, building materials and the year of
erection. The compilation may form a support to a prestudy of the
association with lung cancer and existing radon daugthers. ^n
estimation of individual exposure to radon is made starting
from the resident time and the type of buildings. (Atomindex
citation 14 : 717195)(NTIS)
Measurement of sup 222 Rn and Its Relationship to Environmental
Variables. Progress Report, June 1984-June 1985
Harley, N. H.
New York Univ. Medical Center, NY. Inst. of Environmental
II-5
-------
Medicine.
Corp. Source Codes: 013007004; 4664000
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: DOE/EV/10374-5
1985 38p
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
LMTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8513; NSA1000
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC02-80EV10374
Research progress on factors controlling indoor radon levels is
reported. A seasonal baseline is being determined which can
be related to radon diffusion from soil. 18 figures. (ERA
citation 10:016983) (NTIS)
Measurements of radon-daughter concentrations in and around
dwellings in the northern part of the Netherlands; a search
for the influences of building materials, construction and
ventilation
Wolfs P.; Hofstede H.; De Meijer R.J.; Put L.W.
Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, Rijksuniversiteit
Groningen, 9747 AA Groningen, Netherlands
HEALTH PHYS. (U.S.A.), 1984, 47(2):271-279
CODEN: HTLPA
Languages: ENGLISH
The concentration of radon daughters has been determined in and
around 80 dwellings located in the northern part of the Nether-
lands by using a one-filter method. Median values of 2.0 and
0.4 mWL were measured for the indoor and outdoor
concentrations, respectively. The average outdoor
concentration was about an order of magnitude higher for wind
directions between SE and SW than for SW-NW. On the
average, dwellings with double-pane windows and/or concrete
floors were found to have significantly higher radon concen-
trations than those with single-pane windows and/or wooden
floors. For the living room of a particular dwelling 18 mea-
surements were carried out. The data for this dwelling indicate
a linear relation between the concentration indoors and out-
doors with a slope of 3.8+ or 2.0. This unexpected behavior
is thought to be related to ventilation via the crawl space.
Measurements of ventilation patterns and measurements of
radon concentrations in the living room and in the crawl
space are consistent with this picture. (EMB)
Measurements of the Deposition Rates of Radon Daughters
on Indoor Surfaces
Toohey, R. E. ; Essling, M. A. ; Rundo, J. ; Hengde, W.
Argonne National Lab., IL.
II-6
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Corp. Source Codes: 001960000; 0448000
Sponsor: North China Inst. of Radiation Protection,
Taiyuan, Shanxi.; Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: CONF-831049-3
1983 lip
International seminar on indoor exposure to natural radiation
and related risk assessment, Capri, Italy, 3 Oct 1983.
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8413; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-31-109-ENG-38
The deposition rates of radon daughters on indoor surfaces
have been measured by exposing the window of a proportional
counter to the air of a house with high concentrations of
radon and its daughters. Deposition velocities for unattached
RaA and RaB of approximately 4 mm sec exp -1 were obtained by
dividing the deposition rates by the concentrations of unat-
tached daughters in the air. These results agree with those
obtained by other workers but are dependent on the assumptions
made about the fractions of the daughters which are attached
to the atmospheric aerosol.(ERA citation 09:014965)(NTIS)
Measuring Radon Source Magnitude in Residential Buildings
Nazaroff, W. W. ; Boegel, M. L. ; Nero, A. V.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: LBL-12484; CONF-810881-1; EEB-Vent 81-8
Aug 81 34p
US Environmental Protection Agency meeting on radon and radon
progeny measurement, Montgomery, AL, USA, 27 Aug 1981.
Languages: English
Document type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8216; NSA0700
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
A description is given of procedures used in residences for
rapid grab-sample and time-dependent measurements of the air-
exchange rate and radon concentration. The radon source mag-
nitude is calculated from the results of simultaneous measure-
ments of these parameters. Grab-sample measurements in three
survey groups comprising 101 US houses showed the radon source
magnitude to vary approximately log-normally with a geometric
mean of 0.37 and a range of 0.01 to 6.0 pCi L exp -1 h exp -1.
Successive measurements in six houses in the northeastern
II-7
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United States showed considerable variability in source
magnitude within a given house. In two of these houses
the source magnitude showed a strong correlation with the
air-exchange rate, suggesting that soil gas influx can be
an important transport process for indoor radon.
(ERA citation 07:015678) (NTTS)
The particle size dependent attachment of radon daughters to a
carrier aerosol
Haider B.; Ishida J.
J.
Gesellschaft
Institute fur
GERMANY, WEST
AEROSOL SCI.
fur Strahlen-
Strahlenschutz
und Umweltforschung, Munchen,
D-8042 Neuherberg
(ELMIRA) (U.S.A.) 1984, 15(3):434-437
Coden: JARSB
Languages: ENGLISH
Most of the airborne radon-222 daughters are attached to
aerosol particles. An experimental set-up for measuring the
radon daughter activity as a function of the aerosol particle
size is described. An electrostatic classifier selects particles
of a certain size r^nge from the indoor or natural aerosol. An
arrangement of a filter and an alpha detector registers the
radioactivity of the particles. Simultaneously the aerosol
concentration is measured by an aerosol electrometer
which is upgraded for two particle concentrations.(EMB)
PASSIVE SMOKING AND INDOOR RADON DAUGHTER CONCENTRATIONS
BERGMAN H; AXELSON O
LINKOPING UNIV HOSP,DEPT OCCUPAT MED/S-58185 LINKOPING//SWEDEN/
LANCET , 2(N8362): 1308-1309, 1983
Observations about passive smoking should be considered against
a background of naturally occurring radioactivity in dwellings,
i.e. radon emanating into houses from the ground and from build-
ing materials. The decay of radon results in alpha-emitting
radon daughters, which attach to aerosol particles in indoor
air, such as cigarette smoke, and radon daughter exposure is
a well-established risk factor for lung cancer in miners. In
support of this view the authors present some preliminary
studies of indoor radon daughter concentrations as influ-
enced by cigarette smoke.(SCI)
RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF STRUCTURES CONSTRUCTED ON
PHOSPHATE-RELATED LAND,
GUIMOND, RICHARD J. ; WINDHAM SAMUEL T.
EPA OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS,
II-°
-------
PRESENTED AT DOE/UNIV OF TEXAS NATURAL RADIATION! ENV
3RD INTL SYM, HOUSTON, APR 23-28, 78, V2, P1457 (19)
A STUDY OF THE RADIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF LIVING IN STRUCTURES BUILT
ON RECLAIMED PHOSPHATE-MINE LAND WAS CONDUCTED IN CENTRAL FLORIDA.
TRACK ETCH FILM AND OTHER TECHNIQUES WERE USED TO MEASURE BACKGROUND
AND ENHANCED LEVELS OF RADIATION. RESULTS SUGGEST THAT AREAS
WHICH CONTAIN RADIUM-BEARING SOIL ASSOCIATED WITH PHOSPHATE
MATERIALS GENERALLY HAVE A GREATER GAMMA EXPOSURE AND INDOOR
RADON DECAY PRODUCT CONCENTRATIONS THAN NORMAL BACKGROUND
AREAS. AVERAGE INDOOR RADON DECAY PRODUCT LEVELS OF UP TO
0.20 WORKING LEVEL WERE MEASURED. (1 DIAGRAM, 1 GRAPH, 1 MAP,
8 REFERENCES, 8 TABLES)(ENV)
Radon concentrations and Infiltration rates measured in
conventional and energy-efficient houses
Hollowell, C. D.; Ingersoll, J. G.: Nazaroff,
Nero, A. V.; Boegel, M. L.
Health Physics, 1983 45(2): 401 (August)(ENVB)
W. W.
Radon in dwellings and influencing factors
Stranden E.? Berteig L.
State Inst. Radiat. Hyg., 1345 Osteras
NORWAY
HEALTH PHYS. (ENGLAND) 1980, 39(2):275-284
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Some factors that have influence upon the radon concentration
in dwellings are discussed in this paper. Measurements of the
exhalation rates from different building materials are presented
together with calculations of indoor radon concentrations. The
influence of wind and temperature upon the ventilation rate
and radon concentration in a test-house have been measured,
and the effect of airing and artificial ventilation upon the
radon concentration is discussed.(EMB)
Characterization and Transport Process Affecting
of Radon and Its Decay Products in an Indoor Environment
Technical Report
M.
Technology, Socorro.
4615500
Washington, DC.
Source
Levels
Final
Wilkening, M. ; Schery, S. D.
New Mexico Inst. of Mining and
Corp. Source Codes: 012640000;
Sponsor: Department of Energy,
Report No.: DOE/ER/60095-T3
Jul 84 lOp
II-9
-------
Portions ^re illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8511; NSA1000
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC04-82ER60095
The objectives of this study are to determine the effects
of pressure variation on diffusion and flow of radon from
porous and fractured media;the effects of natural air exchange
processes in indoor environments on radon, thoron and their
daughter products; radon daughter ion-aerosol interactions, and
new instrumentation and methods. The results obtained during
this study are discussed. 12 references, 2 tables.
(ERA citation 10:011609)(NTIS)
Source Characterization and Transport Processes Affecting
Levels of Radon and Its Decay Products in an Indoor Environment.
*Annual Report
Wilkening,
New Mexico
D.
and
Technology, Socorro.
DC,
M. ; Schery, S.
Inst. of Mining
Dept.of Physics.
Corp. Source Codes: 012640011;
Sponsor: Department of Energy,
Report No.: DOE/ER/60095-T1
5 Jan 84 5p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8409;
Country of Publication: United
Contract No.: AC04-82ER60095
Research progress in the following areas is
exhalation of radon and thoron from soil at
measurements of indoor radioactivity; (3) instrumentation
development for measurement of radon, thoron, and their daughters
(4) radon levels in indoor and outdoor locations measured with
passive track-etch detectors; (5) ion-aerosol interactions;
and (6) a study of radon levels and their use for measuring air
exchange in caves. (ERA citation 09:008527)(NTIS)
9513999
Washington
r NSA0900
States
reported: (1)
a field station; (2)
Source Characterization and Transport Processes Affecting
Levels of Radon and Its Decay Products in an Indoor Environment,
*Final Technical Report
Wilkening, M. ; Schery, S. D.
New Mexico Inst. of Mining and Technology, Socorro.
Dept. of Physics.
Il-in
-------
Corp. Source Codes: 012640011; 9513999
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: DOE/ER/60095-T2
Jul 84 lOp
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8425;NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC04-82ER60095
Research performed under contract to DOE is summarized. Specific
topics discussed include: exhalation of radon and thoron from
soil at a field station; indoor radioactivity-measurements and
models; instrumentation development; radon in indoor and outdoor
locations using passive track-etch detectors; ions and aerosols:
and radon levels and air exchange in caves. 2 tables.
(ERA citation 09:038409)(NTIS)
THE SENSITIVITY TO HUMIDITY OF RADON MONITORING INSTRUMENTS
(RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY),
SCHMIED HANNES
AIB CONSULTING ENGINEERS, SWEDEN,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF,
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2, P119(6)
FIELD COLLECTION WAS CALIBRATED. FROM FOUR CALIBRATIONS IN A
RADON CHAMBER IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE INSTRUMENT WAS SENSITIVE
TO ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY. TECHNIQUES FOR COMPENSATING FOR THIS
SENSITIVITY IN MEASURED RESULTS ARE EXPLAINED. ( 4 GRAPHS, 7
REFERENCES, 1 TABLE)(ENV)
A STUDY OF INDOOR AEROSOL SIZE DISTRIBUTION AND ATTACHMENT OF
RADON DAUGHTERS (ENGLISH)
JOHANSSON GI; AKSELSSON R; BOHGARD M; NYMAN S; PETERSSON H;
SAMUELSSON C
DEPT NUCL PHYS/S-22362 LUND//SWEDEN/;
DEPT ENVIRONM HLTH/S-22362
LUND//SWEDEN/; HOSP LUNID,DEPT RADIAT PHYS/S-22185 LUND//SWEDEN/
JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE , 14(3): 455-458, 1983
The particle size distribution in 11 different dweellings was
studied during 5-7 days, samples being taken every 15 min. Large
variation in the aerosol concentration has been found. Also the
size distribution of the aerosol varies depending on the level
of activity in the home, e.g. smoking and cooking. The average
area median diameter found in the dwellings was 0.2um. A technique
for the measurement of radon daughter distribution on different
11-11
-------
airborne matter was developed and tested. The method is based on
the u.sa of an electrical mobility analyzer and alpha-spectrometry
of the radon daughter collected on a fluoropore filter. Some results
are presented and discussed.(SCI)
Time-averaged indoor Rn concentrations and infiltration rates
sampled in four U.S. cities
Doyle, SM; Nazaroff, WW; Nweo, AV
Building Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Program
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California,
Berkeley, CA 94720
Health Physics, 1984, 47(4):579-586
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: English
Indoor RN concentrations, measured in 58 houses during
a 4- to 5-month period during the winter and spring of
1981-82, varied from 0.16 pCi Isup -sup 1 (4-590 Bq msup
-sup 3). Average infiltration rates were determined for
each house during the period, based on a measurement of
the effective leakage area, and an infiltration model,
and found to range from 0.2-2.2 air changes per hour
(hsup -sup 1). Indoor Rnm concentrations correlated
poorly with infiltration rates for houses within each
city as well as for the entire sample. Differences in
Rn entry rates among houses thus appear to be more
important than differences in infiltration rates in
determining whether a house has high indoor Rn levels,
consistent with previous indications from grab-sample
measurements. Radon entry rates and indoor concentra-
tions were generally higher in houses in Fargo, ND
and Colorado Springs, CO, than in houses in Portland,
ME, and Charleston, NC. (EMB)
Transport of Radon from Soil into Residences
Nazaroff, WW; Nero, AV
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: LBL-16823; CONF-840803-4
Feb 84 15p
International conference on indoor air quality
and climate, Stockholm, Sweden, 20 Aug 1984
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages; English
Document Type: Conference proceedings
II- -L,
-------
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8501; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC03-76SF00098
To develop effective monitoring and control programs
for indoor radon it is important to understand that
causes of the broad range of concentrations that has
been observed. Measurements of indoor radon concentra-
tion and air-exchange rate in dwellings of several
countries indicate that this variability arises
largely from differences among structures in the
rate of radon entry. Recent evidence further suggests
that the major source oE indoor radon in many circum-
stances is the soil adjacent to the building foundation
and that pressure-driven flow, rather than molecular
diffusion, is the dominant transport process by which
radon enters the buildings. Key factors affecting radon
transport from soil are radon production in soil, flow-
inducing mechanisms, soil permeability, and building
substructure type. (24 references, 1 figure)
(ERA citation 09:044520) (NTIS)
11-13
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III. VENTILATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
-------
III. VENTILATION & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
3877000
Washington,
DC,
; NSA1000
States
Effect of Weatherization on Radon Levels in Maine Dwellings
Hess, C. T. ; Hill, R. C.
Maine Univ. at Orono.
Corp. Source Codes: 050804000;
Sponsor: Department of Energy,
Report No.: DOE/CS/20458-T1
1984 17p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8509;
Country of Publication: United
Contract No.: AC01-77CS20458
A study of radon concentration in the air of 30 Maine dwellings
was performed before and after weatherization during November
1982-May 1983. The average radon (.75 pCi/1) was lower than a
group of houses in a previous study in October 1980-May 1981
(3.1 pCi/1). The after-weatherization levels show an increase
over the before-weatherization levels. Trailers were found to
have lower radon concentrations than houses. The maximum value
measured was 3.2 pCi/1 before and 6.2 pCi/1 after correction for
season of exposure. 13 references, 5 figures, 3 tables.
(ERA citation 10:009056)(NTIS)
Health effects of radon from insulation of buildings.
Cohen, BL
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Health Phys, (ENGLAND), 1980 39(6):937-41
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: English
Available information is reviewed on radon levels in
health effects of radon, and increased exposure from
of buildings. If current estimates of health effects
buiId ings ,
insulation
of radon
are accepted,
insulation of
fatal cancers
lation.(EMB)
it is concluded that energy conservation by
buildings would cause at least 10,000 extra
per year in the U.S. due to reduced venti-
Health Risk Associated With Energy-Conservation-Radon Increases
In Well-Insulated Houses.
Inhaber, H;Caton, G;Gove, R
Oak Ridge Natl Lab/Oak Ridge/TN/37830
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, 41:50-51, 1982
(SCI)
III-l
-------
Human Disease from Radon Exposures: The Impact of Energy
Conservation in Residential Buildings
Budnitz, RJ;Berk, JV; Hollowell, CD; Nero, AV;
Nazaroff, WW; Rosenfeld, AH
U.S. Lawrence Berkeley Lab, Calif,
Energy & Buildings, Aug 79 2(3): 209
Reduced ventilation in buildings, a major energy conservation
measure, can lead to elevated levels of indoor generated air
contaminants, such as radon-'222. The sources, concentrations,
and health effects of indoor radon-222 are examined. Continuous
exposure to 1 NCI/Cu m increases the annual added risk of
lung cancer by about 100 cases/million. Measures now available
to limit increases of indoor radon-222 concentrations while stil
achieving energy conservation are described. (2 diagrams,
2 graphs, 20 references) (ENV)
Human Disease from Radon Exposure: The Impact of Energy
Conservation in Buildings
Budnitz, RJ; Berk, JV; Hollowell,CD; Nazaroff, WWr Nero, AV
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Sponsor: Department of Energy
8 Aug 78 16p
Language: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI7904; NSA0300
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
The level of radon and its daughters inside conventional buildings
is often higher than the ambient backgound level. Interest in
conserving energy is motivating home-owners and builders to reduce
the rate of infiltration of fresh air into homes, and hence to
increase the concentration of indoor air contaminants, including
radon. It is unlikely, but possible, that the present radiation
levels from radon daughters account for much of the lung cancer
rate in non-smokers. In any event, it is likely that some increased
lung cancer risk would result from increased radon exposures: hence
it is desirable not to allow radon concentrations to rise signifi-
cantly.There are several ways to circumvent the increased risk
without compromising energy conservation considerations.
(ERA citation 03:057614) (NTIS)
INDOOR RADON LEVELS IN THE NORTHEASTERN USA: EFFECTS OF ENERGY
EFFICIENCY IN HOMES
FLEISCHER R L; MOGRO-CAMPERO A; TURNER L G
GEN. ELECTRIC RES. DEV. CENT., SCHENECTADY, NY 12301.
HEALTH PHYS, 45 (2):407-12 1983
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
Elevated 222Rn levels in modern homes that had low air
interchange rates with the out-of-doors prompted a survey of
III-
-------
solar and conventional homes in northeastern New York State
[USA]. The solar homos as a group had 3-fold the 222Rn levels
of the conventional homes, and specific problems existed that
were introduced or exaggerated by modern construction. The
highest 2 levels of Rn in the solar homes gave radiation doses
over 30 yr that were known to produce lung cancer in 1% of homes
gave radiation doses over 30 yr that were known to produce lung
cancer in 1% of Ur miners. Summer readings in more than half of
the cases were different from winter ones by a factor of .gtoreq.
2, so that year-round measurements were necessary for precise
dosimetry. The track etching technique was suited for such
measurements.(ENVB)
Radioactivity (Radon and Daughter Products) as a Potential
Factor in Building Ventilation
Kusuda, T; Hunt, CM; McNall, PE
NBS
Ashrae J, Jul 79 21(7) :30
State of the art information on radon and its daughter
products in air within buildings is reviewed. There are
no national standards for maximum allowable levels in the
residential environment. A major reason for variations in
reported radon levels may be measurement errors. However
radon and its daughter products may be limiting factors
in establishing ventilation rates in residences. (1 graph,
21 references, 3 tables) (ENV)
; Franklin, H.
, Environmental
9505987
Washington, DC,
Measurements Lab.
Radon and Radon Daughter Measurements in Solar
Energy-Conservation Buildings
George, A. C. ; Knutson, E. O.
Department of Energy, New York
Corp. Source Codes: 062709001;
Sponsor: Department of Energy,
Report No.: DOE/EML-407
Jul 82 16p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8308; NSA0700
Country of Publication: United States
Measurements of radon and radon daughters in 11 buildings in
five states, using active or passive solar heating showed no
significant increase in concentration over the levels measured
in buildings with conventional heating systems. Radon levels
in two buildings using rock storage in their active solar systems
exceeded the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's 10 CFR 20 limit
of 3 pCi/1 for continuous exposure. In the remainder of the
buildings, radon concentrations were found to be at levels
considered to be normal. It appears that the slightly elevated
indoor radon concentrations result from the local geological
III-3
-------
formations and from the tightening of the buildings rather
than as a result of the solar heating technology.
(ERA citation 07:062009)(NTIS)
Radon concentrations and infiltration rates measured in
conventional and energy-efficient houses.
Hollowell, CD; Ingersoll, JG; Nazaroff, WW; Nero, AV;
Boegel, ML
Health Physics, 45(2):401, August 1983 (EWB)
III-4
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IV. RADON IN
-------
IV. Radon in Water
Acceptable concentration of radon in drinking water.
Hems, G
Air Water Pollut (ENGLAND), Got 1966, 10 (10) p769-75
ISSN D32B-0000 Journal Code: 32B
Languages: ENGLISH(MED)
radon in tap water to indoor radon
Prichard, Howard M.
The contribution of
concentrations.
Gesell, Thomas F;
Univ. of Texas
Presented at DOE/Univ. of Texas Natural Radiation Env
3rd Intl Sym, Houston, Apr 23-28, 78, v2, p!347(17)
The contribution of radon 222 in domestic water supplies
to the concentration of radon in indoor atmospheres was
investigated and found to be significant for concentra-
tions over a faw thousand PCI/L. A model predicting average
indoor increments due to this source is described and
supported by a series of measurements made in the
laboratory and in private homes in Houston. The impor-
tace of the dwelling volume and the air change rate is
discussed. (11 graphs, 12 reference, 5 tables) (ENV)
Cytogenetic investigation of people in Finland using household
water with high natural radioactivity
Stenstrand K.; Annanmaki M.; Rytomaa T. Inst. Radiat. protect.(
HEALTH PHYS. (ENGLAND) ,1979, 36/3 (441-444),
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
In some atreas of Finland ground water with high concentrations
of natural radioactivity has been found in Artesian wells. The
highest concentrations found so far are 1.2 mu Ci/1 (45 kBq/1)
of radon-222, 256 pCi/1 (9.5 Bq/1) of radium-226 and 14.9 mg/1
of uranium (Ca77), The main problem connected with radioactivity
is the high radon concentration in the air of dwellings where
radon-rich household water is used. We show here that residents
in such dwellings have a significantly elevated frequency
of chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes.(EMR)
Determination of Environmental or Occupational Rn-222 in Air
and Water and Ra-226 in Water with Feasible and Rapid
Methods of Sampling and Measurement
Pohl, E., and J. Pohl-ruling
IV-1
-------
Health Physics, vol. 31, no. 4, pages 343-348, 14 references,
October 1976
Coden: HLTPAO
For air-sampling 30-liter containers of flexible foil are
taken to the sites. To measure the RN-222 and Ra-226 con-
tent of water, special bottle are used with volumes of 0.5
and 2.5 liters respectively. All samples are measured in
the laboratory. In this way it is possible to take a great
number of samples at the sites considered, which is neces-
sary to obtain significant annual mean values. The measuring
equipment consists of 10-20 liter ionizaion chamber in con-
nection with an electronic electrometer and a chart-recorder.
The air sample is transferred very rapidly into the evacu-
ated chamber, so that one can define the zero-point for the
increase in ionization current due to the short-lived
decay products. The radon content of a water sample is also
transferred as fast as possible into the chamber with inactive
air streaming through a de-emanating bottle. Changeable central
electrodes keep the background low and permit a rapid suc-
cession of measurements. For the determination of small
Ra-226 contents double-chamber equipment with background
compensation is used.(OSH)
An estimate of population exposures due to radon in public
water supplies in the area of Houston, Texas.
Prichard HM; Gesoll TF
University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston.
Health Phys (UNITED STATES) ,Oct 1981, 41 (4) p599-606,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2H
Languages: ENGLISH
An estimate of the incremental population lung exposures(WLM)
attributable to the domestic use of ground waters containing
RN-222 is made for the vicinity of Houston, Texas. Because of
the complexity of the water distribution system, extensive
water sampling was required to characterize the concentra-
tion of radon in the water in various areas. Models describ-
ing the transfer of radon from water to indoor air and the
resulting indoor concentrations were developed and experi-
mentally tested. Census data on population and housing
characteristics were folded into the final model used to
compute annual population exposure of 4000 WLM (approx.
40,000 rem) to the 1.6 million inhabitants of the study
area. The resulting estimates are discussed in the context
of similar exposures brought about by other technological
activities.(MED)
IV-2
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GEOLOGIC AND HYDROLOGIC FACTORS CONTROLLING RADON-222 IN
GROUND WATER IN MAINE USA
BRUTSAERT W F; NORTON S A; HESS C T; WILLIAMS J S
DEP. CIV. ENG., UNIV. MAINE, ORONO, MAINE 04469.
GROUND WATER 19 (4). 1981. 407-417.
CODEN: GRWWA
Language: ENGLISH
High 222Rn concentrations exist in ground water from most
granitic rocks in Maine. Some values exceed the suggested
limit of 500 pCi/1 (USA-EPA[Environmental Protection Agency],
1976) by > 100-fold. Although high values (.hivin.x = 22,100
pCi/1) were conclusively linked with the granites, high values
were also present in ground water in metasedimentary rocks
from sillimanite- (.hivin.x = 13,630 pCi/1) and
si 11imanite-orthoclase zone metamorphic terrains. Metamorphic
(anatectic) pegmatites with hydrothermally introduced IJ were
thought to be the source of Rn in high grade terrain. \t
lowar grade (chlorite to staurolite), no relationship exists
between 222Rn content and metamorphic grade, although eacn rock
formation had a somewhat characteristic 222Rn range from ground
water ranges which overlapped. Local 222Rn variations existed
within the same rock body, reflecting local geologic and
hydrologic conditions. Data on well depth, type of well, well
yield, overburden type and thickness and water chemistry showed
that 222Rn may increase slightly with well depth up to 50-75 m
and was essentially constant thereafter. Low yield wells,
generally associated with areas of thin overburden, had higher
222Rn values than high yield wells, normally associated with
thick sand and gravel overburdens, 222Rn concentrations
decreased with increasing Na concentrations, suggesting that
low 222Rn wells were closely linked with surface waters. No
other chemical parameter (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn or Cu)
correlated with 222Rn content within a single rock unit.(BIO)
Monitoring for 228Ra in water supplies(letter)
Mills WA; Ellett WH; Sullivan RE
Health Phys ,Dec 1980, 39 (6) p!003
ISSN: 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2Hde:
Languages: ENGLISH
It is not known whether measured ratios of indoor are typical
regionally or nationally. The rationale for not reguiring sepa-
rate 226Ra analysis under the drinking water regulations was
economic. The authors contend that additional monitoring,
based on knowledge of local conditions, would serve to mini-
mize the number of undetected contaminated supplies at a much
lower national cost than a rigid requirement for 226Ra analysis.
(MED)
IV-3
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NATIONWIDE USA OCCURRENCE OF RADON IN PUBLIC WATER SUPPLIES
HORTON T R
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, EASTERN ENVIRONMENTAL
RADIATION FACILITY, P.O. BOX 3009, MONTGOMERY, AL 36193.
27TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY, LAS VEGAS,
NEV., USA, JUNE 27-JULY 1, 1982.
HEALTH PHYS 43 (1): 92, 1982.
Coden: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) began a
systematic, nationwide radon in water sampling program in
November 1980. The criteria for sampling were the follow-
ing: 1) a public water supply serving a minimum of 1,000
people, 2) the source of the public water supply is ground-
water, and 3) the water sample must be finished water. Prior
to Nove-nber 1980, the USEPA had gathered radon results for
approximately 1,000 water supplies in 25 states. These water
supplies included both private and public groundwater sup-
plies and surface supplies independent of population served.
The present collection effort has sampled more than 2,000
water supplied in 29 states (as of December 1981). Along
with the radon determinations for each sampled water supply,
gross alpha and beta were also determined. In many cases
radium-226 and isotopic uranium concentrations are mea-
sured. Results through May of 1982 are presented.(BIO)
Radon-222 in municipal water supplies in the central United
States.
Prichard HM; Gesell TF
University of Texas, School of Public Health, Houston.
Health Phys (UNITED STATES), Nov 1983, 45 (5) p991-3,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2H
Contract/Grant No.: ES01742-02
Languages: ENGLISH
Radon-222 in domestic water supplies can be an important source
of radon in the indoor atmosphere, producing an increment of
1 pCi/L in the indoor air for every 10,000 pCi/L in the water.
The actual conversion factor if highly dependent on water use,
dwelling volume and the degree of air infiltration. As houses
are tightened for the sake of energy conservation, the impor-
tance of all indoor sources of radon, including the water supply
are correspondingly enhanced. While several accounts of radon
in ground waters have been published, much of that information
has been influenced by prior knowledge of high levels in the
area surveyed. Furthermore, much of the currently available data
deal with small private systems, as opposed to the larger public
IV-4
-------
supplies that would be important factors in population dose cal-
culations. The survey reported in this article represents an
effort to conduct a "blind" sampling of these muncipal ground
water supplies.(MED)
RADON-222 IN MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLIES IN THE CENTRAL USA
PRICHARD H M; GGSELL T F
UNIV. TEXAS SCH. PUBLIC HEALTH, HOSUTON, TEX. 77025.
HEALTH PHYS 45 (5): 991-993, 1983.
Coden: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH(BIO)
Radium and radon in Danish drinking water
Ulbak, K.: Klinder, O.
National Institute of Radiation Hygiene,
Copenhagen, DENMARK
RADIAT. PROT. DOSIM. (ENGLAND), 1984, 7/1-4
Coden: RPDOD
Languages: English(EMB)
DK-2700 Bronshoj
(87-89)
Rapid measurements of 222Rn concentrations in water with a
commercial liquid scintillation counter.
Prichard HW; Gesell TF
Health Phys ,Dec 1977, 33 (6) p577-81
ISSN: 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H
Languages: ENGLISH
A technique is described by which concentrations of Rn-222 in
water as low as 10 pCi/1 can be determined by a 40-min. count
of a 10-ml sample. Preparation time is about 1 min/sample, and
no special equipment is required other than access to a commer-
cial liquid scintillation system.(MED)
RAPID MEASUREMENTS OF RADON-222 IN WATER BY IN-SITU
GERMANIUM LITHIUM SPECTROMETRY
KOMURA K; SAKANOUE M
KANAZAWA UNIV., KANAZAWA.
23RD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE JAPAN RADIATION RESEARCH
SOCIETY, NAGASAKI, JAPAN, OCT. 10-12, 1980.
J RADIAT RES 22(1): 80, 1981.
CODEN: JRARA
Language: ENGLISH(BIO)
IV-5
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Study of the 222Ra-short-lived daughter disequilibrium in
a mixed maritime and continental atmosphere near granitic soils,
Renoux A; Tymen G; Le Gac J
Health Phys ,Aug 1980, 39 (2) p291-8
ISSN: 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H(MED)
IV-6
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V. MEASUREMENT & MODELING
-------
V. MEASUREMENT & MODELING
An alpha-scintillation method for Treasuring low radon
concentrations in air.
Kobal, I.; Skofljanec, M.; Kristan, J.
Univ. of Ljubljana, Jamova 39, YU-61000 Ljubljana, Yug.
International symposium on the monitoring of radioactive
airborne and liquid releases from nuclear facilities Portoroz,
Yug. Sept. 5-9, 1977
Monitoring of radioactive effluents from nuclear facilities.
IAEA Proceedings Series. Subject Group II: Nuclear Safety
and Environmental Protection/ Radiological Safety pp. 173-180
Publ.Yr: 1978
Publ: Vienna International Atomic Energy Agency
illus. refs.
Languages: ENGLISH
Doc Type: CONFERENCE PAPER
A vacuum pump sucks 20-100 L of air through concentrated sulfuric
acid to remove moisture, then through a specially designed
double spiral tube filled with glass beads. The trap is cooled
with liquid N2 and Rn removed from the gas phase to an alpha
scintillation cell. The method is sensitive K0.01 pCi/L.
(AM)(POL)
Alpha-Spectroscopic Techniques for Field Measurement of Radon
Daughters
Nazaroff, W. W.; Nero, A. V.; Revzan, K. L.
California Univ. , Berkeley. Laxvrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: LBL-10769; CONF-810153-1
Jun 81 15p
Special symposium on natural radiation environment, Bombay, India,
19 Jan 1981.
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8204: NSA0600
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
Alpha spectroscopic techniques have not often been used to
measure radon daughter concentrations in field studies because
the equipment required is bulky and expensive. With advances in
integrated circuit technology, less expensive, portable instru-
ments have been developed that now make it possible to use
these techniques to measure the low concentrations of radon
daughters typically found indoors. One of two procedures may
be used, two-count or single-count, depending on whether pre-
cision of measurement or rapidity of measurement is the more
important objective.(NTIS)
V-l
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Associations betveen grab sample and integrated radon
measurements in dwellings in Maine and Texas Prichard H.M.;
Gesell T.F.; Hess C.T.; et al. Univ. Texas Sch. Public
Health, Houston, TX 77025 U.S.A.
ENVIRON. INT. (U.S.A.) 1982, 8(l-6):83-87
Coden: ENVID
Languages: ENGLISH
Radon concentrations were measured in several locations
in each of approximately 100 dwellings in central Maine and
in Houston, TX. Integrated samples wer3 taken during
the heating (or cooling) seasons with commercially avai-
lable passive alpha track devices, while grab samples were
taken at the time of integrated sampler deployment. It was
found that both indoor and outdoor measurements in both
areas were distributed log normally, and that the geome-
tric mean of indoor measurements in Maine was three times
higher than that of corresponding measurements in the Houston
area. It was also noted that the mean of the indoor
grab sample measurements was not significantly different
from the mean of the indoor integrated measurements, and
that the degree of correlation between the grab samples
and a given indoor integrated sample was nearly as good as
between integrated samples taken at different living area
locations.(EMB)
An automated atmospheric radon sampling system.
Newstein H; Cohen LD; Krablin R
Atmos Environ,(Sngland) Oct 1971, 5 (10) p823-31
ISSN 0004-6981
Journal Code: 97B
Languages: ENGLISH (MED)
AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AIR EXCHANGE RATE AND RADON
CONCENTRATION IN HOUSES
NAZAROFF W W; OFFERMANN F J; ROBB A W
BUILD. VENTILATION INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROGRAM, ENERGY
ENVIRON. DIV.,
LAWRENCE BERKELEY LAB., UNIV. CALIF., BERKELEY, CA 94720, USA.
HEALTH PHYS, 45 (2): 525-38, 1983
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
An automated system for continuously measuring the air exchange
rate and 222Rn concentration in an occupied residence
was developed. The air exchange rate was measured over 90
min intervals by tracer gas decay using SF6 as the tracer
gas. The Rn-concentration was measured over 3 h intervals
using a flow-through scintillation cell. Temperatures at
up to 7 points were measured every half hour. A micro-
computer system controlled the measurements, performed
V-2
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preliminary data analysis and logged the data and results.
Continuous measurement of ventilation rate and Rn concentra-
tion permitted the effective Rn source 'magnitude to be
calculated as a function of time. The 1st field application
of this system was a study in Rochester, NY [USA] , of residen-
tial air exchange rates and indoor air quality. For the
8 houses monitored, the mean values over 4-14 day periods
ranged from < 0.2-2.2 pCi/1 for Rn, 0.22-1.16/h for air
exchange rate and < 0.05-0.75 pCi/1 per h for Rn source
magnitude.(BIO)
CALIBRATION OF A DIFFUSION SAMPLER USED FOR THE MEASUREMENT
OF UNATTACHED RADON DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
SUBBA RAMU M C
AIR MONIT. SECT., DIV. RADIOL. PROT., BHABHA AT. RES. CENT.,
BOMBAY 400 085, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.
ATMOS ENVIRON, 14 (1): 145-8, 1980
CODEN: ATENB
Language: ENGLISH
A diffusion sampler for the collection of unattached Rn daughter
products was calibrated and had an efficiency of about
90% at a flow rata of 11 min-1. Previous lower efficiencies
apparently were caused by insufficient precautions in
excluding aerosols from the calibration systems. Studies
showed that diffusion samplers can conveniently be used for
investigation of the formation of radiolytic aerosols in
filtered gases and air, and of the attachment of Rn
daughter atoms or ions to aerosols. [This study is relevant
to occupational health and air pollution. 1 (BIO)
Characterisation of Radon Levels in Indoor Air
George, A. C.
Department of Energy, New York. Environmental Measurements
Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 062709001; 9505987
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: CONF-320627-16
1982 22p
75. annual meeting on the Air Pollution Control Association,
New Orleans, LA, USA, 20 Jun 1982.
Languages: English
Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8318; NSA0800
Country of Publication: United States
The purpose is to describe the different types of monitoring
and sampling techniques that can determine the radiation
burden of the general public from radon and its decay
products. This is accomplished by measuring the range and
distribution of radon and radon decay products through
V-3
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broad surveys using simple and convenient integrating monitor-
ing instruments. For in-depth studies of the behavior of
radon decay products and calculation of the radiation dose
to the lung, fewer and more intensive and complex
measureTients of the particle size distribution and respira-
tory deposition of the radon decay products are required.
For diagnostic purposes, the paper describes measurement
techniques of the sources and exhalation rate of radon and
the air exchange inside buildings. Measurement results form
several studies conducted in ordinary buildings in different
geographical areas of the United States, using the
described monitoring techniques, indicate that the occu-
pants of these buildings are exposed to radon and radon
decay product concentrations, varying by as much as a
factor of 20. (ERA citation 08:027425)(NTIS)
A continuous monitor for the measurement of environmental radon.
Chittaporn P; Eisenbud M; Harley NH
Health Phys ,Aug 1981, 41 (2) p405-10
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H
Contract/Grant Mo.: ES-00260; CA-13343
Languages: ENGLISH
This work describes a new continuous environmental monitor
which mcjasures radon alone without interference from radon
daughters. The detector is a cylinder (13cm diameter by 14cm
high) and is lined with alpha scintillation phosphor on a
Mylar substrate. Scintillation counting provides an effi-
cient and reliable low background system to detect alpha
radioactivity.(MED)
Dose Estimation by Simultaneous Measurement of the
Radon/Thoron Concentration and the Equilibrium Factors in Air
Using a Passive Dosemeter(DISS)
Urban, M.
Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe G.m.b.H. (Germany, F.R.).
Hauptabteilung
Sicherheit.
Corp. Source Codes: 056218034; 9201717 Sponsor: Karlsruhe
Univ. (T.H.) (Germany, F.R.). Fakultaet fuer Elektrotechnik.
Report No.: KFK-3726
Mar 84 113p
In German.
U.S. Sales Only.
Languages: German
V-4
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NTIS Prices: PC A06/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8508; NSA0900
Country of Publication: Germany, Federal Republic of
Responsible for an increased radiation exposure is the
inhalation of radon and its short lived daughters. A time
integrating passive dosemeter was developed to determine the
concentrations of the radon isotopes as well as their equili-
brium factors. The alpha energy spectrum inside a dosemeter
is measured by means of a nuclear track detector. The concen-
trations in air and the equilibrium factors are calculated
by using a new mathematical dosemeter model. A small
pilot study in houses was done to test the dosemeter.
(ERA citation 09:050480)(NTIS)
FIELD EVALUATION OF EBERLINE'S RADON DAUGHTER WORKING
LEVEL MONITOR (RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING
EPIDEMIOLOGY),
DOWNARD T. R. ; GEIGfilR E. L.; MILIARD J. B.
THERMO ELECTRIC CORP, NM,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF,
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2, P99(6)
THE EBERLINE INSTRUMENT DIV. OF THERMO ELECTRIC CORP.
DEVELOPED A MICROCOMPUTER-BASED PORTABLE INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING
POTENTIAL ALPHA ENERGY OR WORKING LEVELS OF RADON DECAY
PRODUCTS. TEST DATA WERE OBTAINED IN TWD RADON CHAMBERS, IN
HOMES IN NEW MEXICO, AND IN BUILDINGS UNDERGOING REMEDIAL ACTION.
CALIBRATION WITH AN ELECTROPLATED ALPHA SOURCE GAVE THE SAME
RESULTS AS CALIBRATION IN A RADON CHAMBER. THE COEFFICIENT OF
VARIATION BETWEEN UNITS WAS WITHIN 10% WITHOUT ANY NORMALIZATION
OF DATA. ( 2 GRAPHS, 3 REFERENCES, 2 TABLES ) (ENV)
Improved radon daughter monitoring procedure.
Rolle R
Am Ind Hyg Assoc J (United States) ,Mar-Apr 1969,
30 (2) p!53-60,
ISSN 0002-8894
Journal Code: 3CI
Languages: ENGLISH
(MED)
V-5
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An improved technique for measuring working levels of radon
daughters in residences.
Nazaroff, WW
Health Phys, Oct 1980, 39(4):683-6
ISSN: 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2H
Languages: English (MED)
Indoor Radon Concentrations with track-etch detectors
(English)
Oswald, RA; Alter, HW; Gingrich, JE
Terradex Corp/Walnut Creek/CA/94598
Health Physics, 43(1):122, 1982 (SCI)
Indoor radon source fluxes: Experimental tests of a two-chamber
model
Hernandez T.L.; Ring J.W.
Cent. Energy Environ. Stud., Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ 08544
U.S.A.
ENVIRON. INT. (U.S.A.) ,1982, 8(l-6):45-57
CODEN: ENVID
Languages: ENGLISH
Modeling houses as two coupled chambers, namely, the
living area and basement, predicts more accurately the total
indoor radon source flux from building materials and geology
than a one-chamber model in houses with disparate radon
concentrations. Three regional surveys found mean radon
concentration ratios between basement and living area to range
from 1.4 to 4.2, implying weak interchamber coupling in most
cases. The invariability of second-order system parameters
under steady infiltration but different initial conditions
confirms the adequacy of the two-chamber model. The presence
of a characteristic radon source flux was detected within the
basements of two houses, in one case across different
infiltration, coupling, and initial conditions. One-chamber
models fit to two-chamber tracer gas data in one house show a
source flux variation of a factor of 6 across changing
coupling, while the two-chamber source flux variation was only
a factor of 1.5. ^ substantial fraction of the apparent
one-chamber living area source flux in these cases is the
variable convective radon flux from the basement. The
technique is not sensitive enough to detect living area source
fluxes if either the interchamber coupling is strong or if the
basement source flux is substantially larger.(EMB)
V-6
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Instrumentation for a Radon Research House
Nazaroff, W. W. ; Revzan, K. L. ; Robb, A. W.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: LBL-12564; CONF-811048-3
Jul 81 7p
International symposium on indoor air pollution, health
and energy conservation, Amherst, MA, USA, 13 Oct 1981.
Languages: English Document Type: Conference proceeding
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8212; NSA0700
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
A highly automated monitoring and control system for studying
radon and radon-daughter behavior in residences has been
designed and built. The system has been installed in a research
house, a test space contained in a two-story wood-framed
building, which allows us to conduct controlled studies of
(1) pollutant transport within and between rooms, (2) the
dynamics of radon daughter behavior, and (3) technigues for
controlling radon and radon daughters. The system's
instrumentation is capable of measuring air-exchange rate,
four-point radon concentration, individual radon daughter
concentrations, indoor temerature and humidity, and outdoor
weather parameters (temperature, humidity, modules, wind speed,
and wind direction). It is also equipped with modules that
control the injection of radon and tracer gas into the test
space, the operation of the forced-air furnace, the mechanical
ventilation system, and the mixing fans located in each room. A
microcomputer controls the experiments and records the data on
magnetic tape and on a printing terminal. The data on tape is
transferred to a larger computer system for reduction and
analysis. In this paper we describe the essential design and
function of the instrumentation system, as a whole, singling
out those components that measure ventilation rate, radon
concentration, and radon daughter concentrations. (ERA
citation 07:005416)(NTIS)
Intercomparison and Intercalibration of Passive Radon
Detectors in Morth America
George, A. C. ; Hinchliffe, L. j Fisenne, I. M. : Knutson, E. O.
Department of Energy, New York. Environmental Measurements Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 062709001; 9512945
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: EML-442
May 85 22p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8526; NSA1000
Country of Publication: United States
To evaluate the state-of-the-art of radon measurements,
V-7
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three types of passive devices commonly used in North America
by several groups involved in radon programs were exposed
to two known levels of radon at the Environmental Measurements
Laboratory. Although scintillation cells are not passive
devices, they were also included in the high radon environment
because of their widespread usage. The higher concentration
(2500 Bq.m exp -3 ) was achieved in an environmental chamber
with controlled temperature and humidity, while the lower concen-
tration (75 to 250 Bq.m exp -3 ) was at ambient conditions.
Quality control was strictly maintained by continuous measurement
of radon concentrations with scintillation cell counters,
verified by pulse ionization chamber measurements. After
exposure, the devices were returned to the participating
laboratories, who then provided the radon concentration as
measured by their detectors. The results indicate that
most devices appear to be satisfactory with room for
improvement. This report discusses possible causes of dis-
crepancies and strongly recommends the need for further
intercomparison and intercalibration exercises to assure that
the quality of radon measurements continues to improve. This
work is part of the program entitled "International
Intercalibration and Intercomparison Programme for Radon, Thoron
and Daughters Monitoring Equipment1 sponsored by the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Nuclear
Energy Agency (OECD/NEA) and the Commission of the European
Communities. (ERA citation 10:045122)(NTIS)
LOCALIZATION OF INDOOR RADON SOURCES USING INTEGRATING
TRACK ETCH DETECTORS (RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES &
HOUSING EPIDEMIOLOGY),
OSWALD RICHARD A. ; ALTER H. W.
TERRADEX CORP, CA,
WHO/ET AL 3RD INTL INDOOR AIR QUALITY & CLIMATE CONF,
STOCKHOLM, AUG 20-24, 84, V2, P105(8)
PASSIVE, INTEGRATING TRACK ETCH DETECTORS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR
MAKING SIMULTANEOUS, LONG-TERM MEASUREMENTS OF INDOOR RADON,
SOIL GAS RADON, AND RADON IN WATER. THE SMALL SIZE OF THE
DETECTORS MAKES THEM SUITABLE FOR MAKING MEASUREMENTS IN AND
NEAR SUSPECTED RADON ENTRY POINTS. TYPICAL RADON CONCENTRATIONS
DOCUMENTED WITH THESE DEVICES ARE REPORTED. ( 3 PHOTOS,
13 REFERENCES, 1 TABLE)(ENV)
Measuring Radon Levels Indoors: Techniques are suggested and
study results are reported
(NTIS Tech Note)
Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Corp. Source Codes: 052661000
Dec 83 Ip
Write NTIS for information about Tech Notes subscriptions and
back issue packages available.
V-8
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Languages: English
NTIS Prices: Not available individually
Journal Announcement: GRAI8403
Country of Publication: United States
This citation summarizes a one-page announcement of technology
available for utilization. A report describes various types
of monitoring and sanpling techniques that can determine the
radiation imposed on the general public from radon and its
decay products. Such techniques are important because they
allow an assessment of possibly-increased radon levels
resulting from energy conservation and increasingly airtight
buildings. The radon may come from building materials and
underlying soil, rocks, and water. Among the techniques covered
are those for measuring the range and distibution of radon and
radon decay products through broad surveys using simple and
convenient integrating/monitoring instruments. ...FOR ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: Detailed information about the technology
described may be obtained by ordering the NTIS report, order
number: DE 82-021874, price code: A02. For information not in
the report, contact Andreas C. George, U.S. Department of
Energy, Environmental Measurements Laboratory, 376 Hudson
Street, New York, N.Y. 10014; (212) 620-3653.(NTIS)
A method for measuring the concentrations of the
short-lived daughter products of radon-222 in the atmosphere.
Duggan MJ; Howell DM
Int J Appl Radiat Isot, 1968 (Dec), 19 (12):865-870
ISSN 0020-708X
Journal Code: GQN
Languages: ENGLISH(MED)
METHODS FOR A CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION OF RADON, THORON, AND
THEIR DECAY PRODUCTS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS,
PORSTENDORFER, J. ; WICKE A.: SCHRAUB A.
STRAHLENZENTRUM DER JUSTUS-LIGBIG UNIVERSITAT, W GERMANY,
PRESENTED AT DOE/UNIV OF TEXAS NATURAL RADIATION ENV 3RD
INTL SYM, HOUSTON, APR 23-28, 78, V2, P1293 (15)
THE DEVICES AND METHODS USED TO DETERMINE CONCENTRATIONS OF
RADON 222, THORON (RADON 220) THEIR DAUGHTER PRODUCTS,
AND THE VENTILATION RATE INSIDE BUILDINGS ARE DISCUSSED.
THESE CONCENTRATIONS ARE DETECTED CONTINUOUSLY BY COLLECTING THE
POSITIVELY CHARGED POLONIUM 216 AND POLONIUM 218 ATOMS ON A
SURFACE-BARRIER DETECTOR WITH THE USE OF ELECTRIC FIELD PRECIPI-
TATION. RADON AND THORON DECAY PRODUCT CONCENTRATIONS ARE
MEASURED BY COLLECTING THE AEROSOLS ON A MEMBRANE
FILTER AND SIMULATANEOUSLY COUNTING THE ACTIVITIES BY ALPHA
SPECTROSCOPY. (2 DIAGRAMS, 6 GRAPHS, 51 REFERENCES)(ENV)
V-9
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OBSERVATION OF HIGH-CONCENTRATIONS OF RADON IN CERTAIN HOUSES
(ENGLISH)
RUNDO J; MARKUN F; PLDNDKE NJ
ARGONNE NATL LAB/AJRGONNE//IL/60439
HEALTH PHYSICS , 36(6): 729-730, 1979
Occasional determinations by the authors of the concentrations
of radon in the air of houses in the Chicago area, have given
results in general agreement with the ranges of values quoted
for Tennessee and Florida. They now report the observation
of much higher concentations of radon in some houses in this
area: the high levels are unrelated to excessive radioactivity
in building materials, or to the presence of uranium mill tail-
ings in the foundations, and they must be regarded as "normal."
It seems clear to the authors that the average exposure of man to
radon daughters in houses in this country may be substantially
higher than hitherto has been thought, depending on the fraction
of all nouses with unpaved crawl spaces which also show high
levels of radon. There is clearly scope for a comprehensive
survey of the levels of radon in houses in the U.S., and espe-
cially of its daughters which are responsible for n>ost of the
absorbed dose to the lung.(SCI)
Optimizing the total-alpha three-count technique for measuring
concentrations of radon progeny in residences
Nazaroff, w. W.
Health Physics, 1984 46(2): 395 (February)
(RN\7B)
A PASSIVE RADON DOSIMETER FOR SURVEY PROGRAMS IN DWELLINGS
(ENGLISH)
URBAN M: PIESCH E
KARLSRUHE NtUCL RES CTR,DIV HLTH PHYS/KARLSRUHE//FED REP GER/
NUCLEAR TRACKS , 5(4): 383-383, 1981((SCT)
Passive, integrated measurement of indoor radon using activated
carbon
George A.C.
Environmental Measurements Laboratory, U.S. Department of
Energy, New York, NY 10014
HEALTH PHYS. (U.S.A.) ,1984, 46(4):867-872
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Activated carbon canisters were tested to determine their
adsorption and retention characteristics for radon. Our tests
conducted indoors under typical conditions of temperature and
relative humidity indicate that simple, inexpensive and
V-10
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maintenance-free passive devices containing 150-200 g of
activated carbon can treasure radon conveniently and adequately.
The amount of radon absorbed in the collector is determined
by counting the gamma rays from the decay products of radon.
The lower limit of detection for radon is 0.2 pCi/1. for an
exposure of 72 hr. Greater sensitivity can be obtained with
larger counting systems and devices containing carbon with more
surface area. Tests in a residential building and in a test
chamber indicate that the measured radon in the canister is
proportional to the mean concentration of radon during the period
of exposure when correction for relative humidity is made. For
practical situations encountered indoors,the device yields
results accurate to within + or - 20%. Results from field
measurements indicate that the use of the device is feasible.
(SMB)
RADOK: an integrating, passive radon monitor.
Annanmaki M; Koskela H; Koponen M; Parviainen 0
Institute of Radiation Protection, Helsinki, Finland.
Health Phys (UNITED STATES) Apr 1983, 44 (4) p413-6,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2H
Languages: ENGLISH (MED)
Radon in Dwellings. A Method for the Calculation of Radon
Daughters in Dwellings
Bergstroem, B. ; Clavensjoe, B.
Swedish Council for Building Research, Stockholm.
Corp. Source Codes: 060307000; 5964200
Report No.: BFR-R-88-19R2
1982 38p
In Swedish.
U.S. Sales Only.
Languages: Swedish
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8402
Country of Publication: Sweden
The aim of the project was to present a mathematical model for
the calculation of the expected values of radon and radon
daughters of indoor air. It is assumed that certain parameters
can be Tiade available, such as the emission of radon from building
materials, leakage from soil to buildings, the contents of radon
in water etc. The control of dose limits can thus be made by
the constructor of buildings. (Atomindex citation 14:748981)
(NTIS)
V-ll
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RADON DAUGHTER CAROUSEL - AN AUTOMATED INSTRUMENT FOR
MEASURING INDOOR CONCENTRATIONS OF PO-218, PB-214, AND BI-214
(ENGLISH)
NAZAROFF W
UNIV CALIF BERKELEY LAWRENCE BERKELEY LAB,PROGRAM BLDG
VENTILAT & INDOOR AIR QUAL/BERKELEY//CA/94720
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS , 54,(9): 1227-1233, 1983
(SCI)
Radon-222 and its daughters—a review of instrumentation for
occupational and enviroamental monitoring.
Budnitz RJ
Health Phys ,1974 Feb, 26 (2) p!45-63,
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H
Languages: ENGLISH
The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the techniques
which have been developed for measuring RN222 and its daughters in
various media. The main emphasis is on measurements for surveil-
lance and protection in occupational and environmental situations.
Measurements in specialised research applications are not treated
in detail. Overviews are first provided of the physical character-
istics of RN222 and its daughters; of the sources of and typical
levels of concentrations in the natural environment and in occupa-
tional exposures and of the radiation guides. The various measure-
ment techniques are then discussed.(MED)
Radon-222 concentrations and decay-product equilibrium in
dwellings and in the open air
Kaller G.j Folkerts K.H.
Tnstitut fur Biophysik der UniversLtat des Saarlandes,
Boris Rajewsky Institut, D 6650 Homburg/Saar
GERMANY, (VEST
HEALTH PHYS. (U.S.A.) ,1984, 47(3):385-398
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Results are presented of measurements of the activity
concentrations of sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn and its short-lived decay
products and the sup 2sup Isup 7Pb/sup 2sup Isup 2Bi
concentrations in more than 200 dwellings in West Germany and
in the open air. For more than 130 measurements of the
equilibrium factor F in dwellings the median value was found
to be 0.3. Measurements of F in the open air under various
conditions resulted in a mean value of about 0.4. The
results of the investigations showed that indoors F depends
only slightly on ventilation, indoor sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
concentration and other parameters. The equilibrium factor F in
the open air, however, was found to depend on meteorological
conditions. Empirical correlations from the data obtained
V-12
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for the daughter/sup 2sup 2gup 2Rn concentration ratios were
derived to provide relations for the prediction of the individual
daughter product concentrations at a measured sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
level. It was established that the daughter/sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
concentration ratios for indoor air do not change within the
range of sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn concentrations investigated (1-370
8q . msup -sup 3). These relations, however,are not valid
for the daughter/sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn concentration ratios in
outdoor air. The correlations derived further suggest that the
individual daughter product concentrations may he assessed with
sufficient accuracy by only measuring the sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
concentrations. Thus the daughter ratios obtained in this way
should enable good estimates of the lung dose for members of the
public due to inhalation of the short-lived sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
daughters and the dose contribution of the individual sup 2sup
2sup 2Rn-daughter products.(EMR)
Residential Radon Daughter Monitor Based on alpha Spectroscopy
Nazaroff, W. W.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 1112800
Sponsor: Department 06 Energy, Washington, DC.
^ay 80 lOOp
Languages: Eng1ish
NTIS Prices: PC A05/MF &01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8107; NS^OSOO
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-48
The radioactive daughters of radon-222 pose a serious indoor
air guality problem in some circumstances. A technique for
measuring the concentrations of these radioisotopes in air is
presented. The method involves drawing air through a filter;
then, for two time intervals after sampling, counting the alpha
decays from poloniuii-218 and poloniurn-214 on the filter. The
time intervals are optimised to yield the maximum resolution
between the individual daughter concentrations. For a total
measurement time of 50 minutes, individual daughter concentrations
of 1.0 nanocuries per cubic meter are measured with an uncertainty
of 20%. A prototype of a field monitor based on this technique
is described, as is a field test in which the prototype was used
to measure radon daughter concentrations
as a function of ventilation conditions in an energy-efficient
house. (ERA citation 06:001327)(NTIS)
THE RESPONSE OF PLASTIC DETECTORS TO RADON ACTIVITY
INSIDE HOUSES (ENGLISH)
ABUJARAD F; FREMLIN JH
PETR & MINERALS UNIV,DEPT PHYS/DHAHRAN/
V-13
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/SAUDI ARABIA/; UNIV BIRMINGHAM,DEPT PHYS/3IRMINGHAM B15 2TT/W
MI OLANIDS/ENGLAND/
NUCLEAR TRACKS , 5(4): 332-382, 1981(SCI)
RESULTS OF INDOOR RADON MEASUREMENTS USING THE TRACK ETCH METHOD
(ENGLISH)
ALTER HW; OSWALD RA
TERRADEX CORP,460 N WIGET LN/WALNUT CREEK//CA/94598
HEALTH PHYSICS , 45(2):425-428, 1983
Recently the Track Etch technique has been developed an<1
calibrated for performing integrated measurements in large
indoor surveys. The totally passive Track Etch monitors
are inexpensive and convenient. Because they are so rugged
and insensitive to environmental factors, they are also
reliable. This paper summarizes the results of numerous
indoor radon measurements made in the U.S., Canada and
Sweden over the past year by means of Track Etch monitors.
Detailed data may be published in the future by the sponsoring
organizations.(SCI)
A TECHNIQUE TOR EVALUATING AIRBORNE CONCENTRATIONS OF
DAUGHTERS OF RADON ISOTOPES,
PERDUE, P. T. ; LEGGETT R. W.; HAYWOOD F. F.
PRESENTED AT DOE/UNIV OF TEXAS NATURAL RADIATION ENV 3RD
INTL SYM, HOUSTOM, APR 23-28, 78, VI, P347 (10)
ELEVATED QUANTITIES OF ACTINON DAUGHTERS IN AIR HAVE BEEN
OBSERVED IN SOME BUILDINGS CONTAMINATED WITH RAFFINATES FROM
URAMIUM ORE PROCESSING. PREVIOUS METHODS FOR MEASURING THE
CONCENTRATION OF RADON 222 DAUGHTERS ASSUME THAT RADON 219 DAUGHTER
CONCENTRATIONS ARE NEGLIGIBLE. A METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS
MEASUREMENT OF DAUGHTERS OF RADON 222, 220, AND 219 IN AIR
IS DESCRIBED. THE METHOD CONSISTS OF A MODIFIED ALPHA SPECTRO-
SCOPY TECHNIQUE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING ISOTOPE
CONCENTRATIONS. (3 GRAPHS, 8 REFERENCES)(ENV)
Tentative method of analysis for radon-222 content of the
atmosphere.
Health Lab Sci (United States) ,Apr 1969, 6 (2) pl!4-29,
ISSN 0017-9035
Journal Code: G2C
Languages: ENGLISH(MED)
V-14
-------
Theory and practice of radon monitoring with charcoal adsorption
Cohen, Ernest S.; Cohen, Bernard L.
Health Physics, 1983 ,45(2):501 (August)(ENVB)
Theory of passive measurement of radon daughters and working
levels tay the nuclear track technique
Fleischer R.L.
General Electric, Research and Development Center.
P.O. Box 8, Schenectady, MY 12301 U.S.A.
HEALTH PHYS. (U.S.A.) 1934, 47(2):263-270
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
A theoretical basis is described for long-term measurement of
the activities of the alpha emitters in air by the track-
etching technique. Inference of the other activities allows
working levels to be derived. A set of absorber foils allows
the differing response to nlpha particles of different energies
to be used to identify the relative abundance of the alpha
emitters and the importance of diffusion to surfaces. The method
is appropriate to measuring lonq-term exposures to radon atmo-
spheres in homes or mines.(EMB)
USE OF NURE DATA FOR NATURAL RADIATION! EXPOSURE - INDOOR
RADON AND GAMMA-RAY RADIATION (ENGLISH)
KOTHARI RK
NEW YORK STATE DEPT HLTH,CTR LABS & RES/ALBANY//NY/12201
HEALTH PHYSICS , 45(1): 254-254, 1983(SCT)
Radionuclide data obtained in the National Uranium Resource
Evaluation (NURE) survey fo the U.S. Department of Energy were
used to correlate equivalent uranium with indoor radon concen-
trations and to calculate natural outdoor exposure rates. In
the NURE surve/, distributions of equivalent uranium and tho-
rium and K concentrations of 'surface soil1 were obtained by
flying Nal crystals generally at flight spacings of three or
six miles. Indoor exposure to radioactive radon daughters is
a potential health problem which varies with geographical
location. The present difficulty in identifying problem areas
might improve by the use of eU data from the NURE program.
Results from exposure rate maps and limitation of the
NURE data are discussed.(SCI)
V-15
-------
VI. MITIGATION
-------
VI. MITIGATION
Chemical methods for removing radon and radon daughters from air.
Stein L
Science (United States),31 Mar 1972, 175 (29): 1463-5
ISSN 0036-8075.
Journal code: UJ7
Languages: ENGLISH
Liquid bromine trifluoride and the solid complexes CIF4SbF2,
BrF4SbF6,BrF4Sb2Fll, IF4(SbF6)f and 8rF2BIF6 react spontaneously
with radon and radon daughters at 25°C. converting the radio-
elements to nonvolatile ions and compounds. The reagents can be
used in gas-scrubbing units to remove radon and radon daughters
from air. The halogen fluoride-antimony pentafluoride complexes
may be suitable for purifying air in uranium mines and analysing
radon in air, since they have low dissociation pressures at
25°C and are less hazardous to handle than liquid halogen
fluorides.(MED)
Concentrations of particulates and radon progeny.
Offerman, F.V.; Fisk, W.J.; Nazaroff, W.W.; Sextro, R.G.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: DOE/BP-216
Feb 83 25p
Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche oroduction.
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A02
Journal Announcement: GRAI8419; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: AC03-76SF00098
The specific purpose of this study was to review the
literature on portable residential air cleaners, including
fan-filter units, ionizers, and electrostatic precipitators,
and to generally assess their applicability for controlling
indoor concentrations of particulates and radon progeny which
may result from weatherization. Little meaningful performance
testing information was found. Implications of particulate
control regarding exposure to radon progeny are uncertain.
(ERA citation 09:023225)(NTIS)
Control of Indoor Radon Decay Products by Air Treatment Devices,
Hinds, William C.; Rudnick Stephen N.; Maher Edward F.r First
Melvin W.
Harvard Univ,
APCA J, Feb 83, 33(2): 134
Room size air cleaners can achieve substantial reductions in
VI-1
-------
working levels in residences. Reductions observed at air infil-
tration rates of 0.52 air changes per hour ranged from 58 to 89%.
Although the two air cleaners tested produced the greatest reduc-
tions, the low cost, simplicity, and other benefits of air cir-
culating fans, particularly the celing fan, appear to make them
most suitable for residences.(ENV)
Particles and Radon
R. G.; Fisk, W. J
Progeny with
; Nazaroff, W. W.
Lab.
r NSA0900
States
Control of Respirable
portable Air Cleaners
Offermann, F. J.; Sextro,
Nero, A. V.
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC,
Report No.: LBL-16659
Feb 84 98p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A05/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8424
Country of Publication: United
Contract No.: AC03-76SF00098
Eleven portable air cleaning devices have been evaluated for
control of indoor concentrations of respirable particles and
radon progeny. Following injection of cigarette smoke and radon
in a room-size chamber, decay rates for particles and radon
progeny concentrations were measured with and without air cleaner
operation. Particle concentrations were obtained for total
number concentration and for number concentration by particle
size. In tests with no air cleaner the natural decay rate for
cigarette smoke was observed to be 0.2 he exp -1. Air cleaning
rates for particles were found to be negligible for several small
panel-filters, a residential ion-generator, and a pair of mixing
fans. The electrostatic precipitators and extended surface Filters
tasted had significant particle removal rates, and a HEPA-type
filter was the most efficient air cleaner. The evaluation of
radon progeny control produced simlar results: the air cleaners
which were effective in removing particles were also effective in
removing radon progeny. At low particle concentrations plateout
of the unattached radon progeny is an important removal mechanism.
Based on data from these tests, the plateout rate for unattached
progeny was found to be 15 hr exp -1. The attached and unattached
nuclides have been estimated for each radon decay product as a
function of particle concentration. While air cleaning can be
effective in reducing total radon progeny, concentations of
unattached radon progeny can increase with increasing air
cleaning. 39 reference, 26 figures, 9 tables.
(ERA citation: 09:034230)(NTIS)
VI-2
-------
Cost evaluation of control measures for indoor radon progeny.
Moeller DW; Fujimoto K
Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA.
Health Phys (UNITED STATES) ,Jun 1984, 46 (6) pll81-93
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code: G2H
Languages: ENGLISH
Based on assumed conditions within a typical U.S. home,
annualized costs for reducing indoor airborne radon progeny
concentrations have been calculated for a variety of methods of
control. These analyses were limited to methods for control in
existing homes. Control through modified construction technigu^s
was not evaluated. Methods assessed included increased air
circulation, increased ventilation, particle removal using
electrostatic precipitation and unipolar ion generation, and the
application of sealants to room surfaces. Although surface
sealants proved to be reasonably cost-effective per person-
sievert dose reduction, such sealants are prone to cracking and
the durability of their effectiveness is guestionable. Use of
ceiling fans for increased air circulation and particle
deposition appears to be least cost-effective, but this method
may be attractive in some cases for reasons of comfort. The use
of unipolar ion generators appears to be the best approach from
the standpoint of cost effectiveness. These devices are also
easy to install and are esthetically readily acceptable.(MED)
Demonstration of Remedial Techniques against Radon in Florida
Phosphate Lands
(Final Report)
Scott, A. G. ; Findlay, W. O.
American Atcon, Inc., Columbia, MD.
Corp. Source Codes: 080346000
Sponsor: Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility, Montgomery,
AL.
Report No.: EPA-520/5-83-009
Jul 83 195p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A09/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8410
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: EPA-68-02-3559
This report is to document the results of an activity which forns
part of a program intended to demonstrate means of controlling
indoor radon levels in structures built on Florida phosphate
lands. The natural radon concentration of the soil is elevated in
some parts of the Florida phosphate lands, resulting in elevated
radon concentrations in the soil gas. If building construction is
such as to provide pathways, or routes of entry, between the
interior of the building and the soil below, then this
radon-bearing soil gas may enter the building and result in
elevated indoor levels. This report therefore documents a review
VI-3
-------
of current building practices, with the intention of identifying
routes of entry. Based upon this knowledge certain modifications
to building practices may be seen as a means to reducing indoor
radon levels.(NTIS)
Effect of a Fan in Reducing the Concentration of the
Radon Daughters Inside a Room by Plate-Out to the Surface
of the Wall Using Plastic alpha -Detectors
F. ; Fremlin, J.H.
,, Univ. Petro. Min., Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
42(l):82-85, 1982
ENGLISH
of radon daughters which are deposited per
Abu-Jarad,
Dept. Phys.
HEALTH PHYS,
unit
than
Languages:
The number
area on the two sides of the blades of the fan are more
tnose plated out per unit area on the surface of the
walls. However, the total surface area of the fan blades is
only 0.2% of the surface area of the walls. The activity on
the blades will therefore reduce the level inside the room
by similar to 1% while the main decrease in air-borne
activity is due to the plate-out on the surfaces of the walls
of the room. We did not measure the concentration of conden
sation nuclei in the roomn or on the wall so that we
cannot discriminate between free ions or atoms and those
adsorbed on condensation nuclei in the air on the wall
with and without the fan on. Although the increase in
a-tracks cm super(-2) h super(-l) on the wall with and without
the fan is due to the increase of plate-out of radon daugh-
ters, still more information can be gained if tracks
resulting from airborne Rn are separated from tracks
resulting from plated out radon daughters. Also, it is not
clear if the plate out of radon daughters on the walls
and fan blades would be the same as plate out on the detectors.
(POL)
Evaluation of Indoor Aerosol Control Devices and Their Effects
on Radon Progeny Concentrations
Sextro, RG; Offermann, FJ; Nazaroff, WW; Nero, AV; Revzan, KL
California Univ., Berkeley. Lawrence Berkeley Lab.
Corp. Source Codes: 005029222; 9513034
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC
Report No.: LBL-17598; CONF-840803-8
Feb 84 16p
International conference on indoor air guality and climate,
Stockholm, Sweden, 20 Aug 1984
Portions are illegible in microfiche products.
Languages: English
Document type: Conference proceedings
NTIS Prices: PC A02/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8502; NSA0900
Country of Publication: United States
VI-'
-------
The radon emanation rate from by-product materials is some-
times one or two orders of magnitude higher than the emana-
tion rata from natural building materials. Materials in which
the concentration of radioactive isotopes exceeds an allowed
limit should be rejected as unsuitable for house construction.
The exposure of the population to radon particles in buildings
which already exist may be decreased by coating the walls of
the rooms with a sealant. This article examines the influence
of seven coating materials on the radon emanation rate.(BIO)
Influence of sealants on 222radon emanation rate from building
materials.
Morawska, L
Institute of Physics, Jagellonian University, Cracow, Poland
Health Phys(UNITED STATES), Apr 1983, 44(4): 416-8,
ISSN 0017-9078
Languages: ENGLISH (MED)
MEASUREMENT OF SEALANT EFFICACY AGAINST RADON EMANATION
BICHOLZ G G; KAHN B; MATHENY M D
SCH. NUCL. ENG., GEORGIA INST. TECHNOL., ATLANTA, GA. 30332.
24TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE HEALTH PHYSICS SOCIETY.
HEALTH PHY, 37 (6): 801, 1979 (RECD. 1980)
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
Radon emanation from walls constructed of uranium-containing
materials such as phosphate slag or granitic aggregate may
contribute significantly to the total population exposure.
Measurements have been conducted to test the efficacy of some
common coating materials, applied to a concrete block wall,
to reduce the radon inhalation risk. The results depend on the
roughness and porosity of the wall, and vary from ineffective
for some common paints to moderately good for epoxy paints. Two
methods of measurement were employed, one measuring the attached
fraction, which depends on the existence of a constant concen-
tration of attachment nuclei; and the other on radon adsorption
on a charcoal bed.(BIO)
A Preliminary Evaluation of the Control of Indoor Radon Daughter
Levels in New Structures
Fitzgerald, Jr., Joseph E. T Guimond, Richard J. ; Shaw,
Roger A.
Office of Radiation Programs, Washington, DC. Div, OF Criteria
and Standards.
Corp. Source Codes: 038529001
Report No.: EPA-520/4-76-018
VI-5
-------
Nov 76 88p
Indoor radon concentrations seam to depend on both building
material and leakage of radon from the ground. This new
study, in a rural area, is a further attempt to elucidate the
etiology of lung cancer, taking into consideration type of
house and ground conditions, as well as smoking habits.
Although the choice of a rural study population helped to
eliminate the various confounding exposures in the urban envir-
onment, it limited the size of the study because of the
rareness of lung cancer in rural populations. Long-term resi-
dents, 30 years or more in the same houses, were studies,
and again an association was found between lung cancer and
estimated exposure to radon and radon daughters in homes. The
data also seem to indicate the possibility of a multiplicative
effect between smoking and exposure to radon and radon daughters
in homes, but there was alsosome confounding between these
factors in the data. (EMB)
Radon in Dwellings. Constructional Steps to Reduce the
Concentration of Radon in Indoor Air
Clavensjoe, B. ; Ericson, S. -O. ; Erikson, B. E. :
Haakansson, B. ; Swedjemark, G. A.
Swedish Council for Building Research, Stockholm.
Corp. Source Codes: 060307000; 5964200
Report No.: BFR-R-28-1982
1982 150p
In Swedish.
U.S. Sales Only.
Languages: Swedish
NTIS Prices: PC A07/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8402
Country of Publication: Sweden
Various procedures to limit the concentration of radon in 10
small houses have been tested. In five cases the filling around
the basement was replaced to a distance of 4 meters. The inflow
of radon was then reduced by 30-90%. A combination of
ventilating by 0,5 air renewals per hour and replacement of the
filling reduced the inflow by 90-99%. The cost, however, was
high. Houses made of lightweight concrete containing shale were
put right by increased ventilation. Two houses were re-papered
with aluminum foils and the emission of radon from the building
material was reduced by 0%.(Atomindex citation 14:719127) (NTIS)
Radon in Dwellings. Field Study, Part 1
Erikson, B. E. : Boman, C. A. : Nyblom, L. : Swedjemark, G. A.
National Swedish Inst. for Building Research, Gaevle.
Corp. Source Codes: 075131000: 9860033
Jun 80 87p
In Swedish.
VI-6
-------
U.S. Sales Only. Available in microfiche only.
Languages: Swedish
NTIS Prices: MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8421
Country of Publication: Sweden
The report presents the function of the ventilation by natural
draught in three-storey houses. Tn some cases also the
measurement of gamma radiation, radon and radon daughters was
made. The investigation took place in Uppsala. The houses were
built of light weight concrete made of alum-shale. The
measurements showed that the contents of radon daughters were far
below the provisional limits. (Atomindex citation 12:596009)(NTTS)
Radon's threat can be subdued
Brennan,
Solar Age,
Terry; Turner, William
May 1985, 9(5):19
Researchers have known for decades about the pollution of indoor
air, but only recently have builders, homeowners and health
officials become concerned with the problem. Radon may enri up
in the indoor environment via several paths.This article contains
a table of standards for airborne radon in buildings and describes
different methods of detection of radon and mitigation of the
problem.(ENVB)
Tracing of Radon Leakages (Radon, Passive Smoking, Particulates
& Housing Epidemiology)
Gustafsson, Jorgen; Nilsson, Ingemar
Natl Testing Inst, Sweden
WHO/ET AL 3rd Intl Indoor Air Quality & Climate Conf,
Stockholm, Aug 20-24, 84, v2, p!25(12)
It is widely accepted that indoor radon daughter levels in
Sweden are frequently caused by radon from the soil. To
minimize transport from soil to houses, the cracks or leaks
where the radon convactively trasnports into dwellings must
be found. An instrument was created at the Natl Testing Tnst
to aid in finding such leaks. The principles of the scintilla-
tion flask are explained, and some results from field measure-
ments are reported. (1 diagram, 8 graphs, 1 photo, 7 references,
1 taole) (ENV)
THE USE OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION WITH HEAT RECOVERY FOR
CONTROLLING RADON AND RADON DAUGHTER CONCENTRATIONS IN HOUSES
NAZAROFF W W; BOEGEL M L; HOLLOWELL C D; ROSEME G D
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS PROGRAM, ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
DIVISION, LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY, UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, CA. 94720, U.S.A.
ATMOS ENVIRON. 15 (3):263-70, 1981.
CODEN: ATENB (BIO)
VI-7
-------
VII. HEALTH EFFECTS
-------
VII. HEALTH EFFECTS
Assessing the Risks from Exposure to Radon in Dwellings
Walsh, P. J. ; Lowder, W. M.
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN.
Corp. Source Codes: 021310000; 4832000
Sponsor: Department of Energy, Washington, DC.
Report No.: ORNL/TM-8824
Jul 83 40p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A03/MF A01
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: W-7405-ENG-26
The factors used to assess the radiation dose and health risks
from human exposure to radon in dwellings are critically reviewed
in this summary. Sources of indoor radon and determinants of air
concentrations and exposure levels are given as well as the
uncertainties that exist in their formulation. Methods of
assessing health effects from inhalation of radon and its progeny
are discussed with emphasis on dosimetry of radon daughters and
formulation of risk per dose values. Finally, methods of
assessing risks for general population exposures to indoor radon
concentrations are treated. (ERA citation 08:050034)(NTTS)
Bronchial dose due to decay products of sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn in
the living environment
Parthasarathy K.S.; Unnikrishnan K.
Div. Radiol. Protect., Bhabha Atomic Res. Cent., Bombay
INDIA
CHBMOSPHERE (ENGLAND) ,1977, 6(5):279-284
CODEN: CMSHA
Languages: ENGLISH
Dosimetry of the lung with reference to the inhalation of these
decay products is a special area of concern in the mining and
milling of uranium. Since July 1971 a maximum permissible
exposure of 4 working level months in a year is recommended for
radiation workers in uranium mines in the USA. Since the dose to
working level year conversion factor for uranium mines is 24 rads
the recommended level of radon exposure leads to a dose of 8
rads. If a dose corresponding to one tenth of that due to
occupational xvorkers is accepted for public at large it is
necessary to restrict the annual dose to 0.8 rad. Corresponding
concentration is nearly 0.002 working levels. A maximum
permissible concentration of 0.002 WL for general public may
appear to be very restrictive. This concentration indoors can be
VII-1
-------
walls. An electrostatic precipitator used as domestic dust
cleaner removed decay products with an efficiency of 80% when air
is recirculated through it. A new method based on the
electrostatic and diffusion collection of decay products has also
been reported. (23 references).(EMB)
DOSE CALCULATIONS FOR THE RESPIRATORY TRACT FROM INHALED NATURAL
RADIOACTIVE NUCLIDES AS A FUNCTION OF AGE 1. COMPARTMENTAL
DEPOSITION RETENTION AND RESULTING DOSE
HOFMANN W; STEINHAEUSLER F; POHL E
INST. PHYS., UNIV. SALZBURG, AKADEMIESTR. 26, A-5020 SALZBURG,
AUSTRIA.
HEALTH PHYS, 37 (4):517-22, 1979.
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
The deposition and retention models and the anatomical and
physiological data as proposed by the ICRP [International
Commission of Radiological Protection] Task Groups on Lung
Dynamics and Reference Man are valid only for adult dosimetry.
The change of the growing organism causes an age-dependent
variation of the radiation burden to the respiratory tract.
Age-dependent functions of anatomical and physiological
parameters were defined. Data were either interpolated from
literature or calculated from theoretical modeling. With these
functions and defined aerosol composition, age-dependent
deposition probabilities in the single regions of the respiratory
tract were determined. For the demonstration of lung dosimetry
as a function of age the naturally occurring Rn daughters were
used. By applying typical mean nuclide concentrations found in
the atmosphere of an urban environment and defined age-dependent
daily life patterns, the annual inhaled amount of radioactivity
was computed. Dose calculations for the single ICRP lung model
compartments were performed. The inhaled dose in both the
tracheobronchial and pulmonary regions showed a strong dependence
on age; a pronounced maximum value was reached at the age of
approx. 6 yr for Rn and Th decay products.(BIO)
Environmental radiation and the lung.
Hamrick PE; Walsh PJ
Environ Health Perspect ,1974 Dec, 9: 33-52
ISSN:0091-6765
Journal Code EIO
Languages: ENGLISH
(96 Refs.)(MED)
VII-2
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL RADON AND CANCER CORRELATIONS IN
MAINE, USA
HESS C T? WEIFFENBACH C V; NORTON S A
UNIV. MAINE, ORONO, ME 04469, USA.
HEALTH PHYS, 45 (2):339-48, 1983.
CODEN: HLTPA
Language: ENGLISH
The distribution of 222Rn was measured in the 16 countries of
Maine, USA by liquid scintillation counting of water samples
from > 2000 public and private wells and 350 wells were character-
ized for geology and hydrology. Airborne Rn was measured in 7
houses with grab samples and in 18 houses for 5-7 days each
with continuously recording diffusion-electrostatic Rn
detectors. Concentrations of Rn water ranged from 20-180,000
pCi/1. Granite areas (36) yielded the highest average
levels (.hivin.x = 22,100 pCi/1) with considerable
intragranite variation. Metasedimentary rocks yielded levels
characteristic of the lithology for metamorphic grades ranging
from chlorite to andalusite. Sillimanite and higher grade
rocks yielded higher 222Rn levels, probably due to the
intrusion of U-bearing pegmatites in these terranes. Airborne
calculated by araally averaging rock types and their
associated 222Rn levels, were significantly correlated with
rates for all cancers combined and rates for lung and
reproductive cancers in the counties. Although numerous
factors other than cancer induction by indoor daughter
exposures may have been responsible for the observed
correlations, these had not been investigated in detail.
(BIO)
EXPOSURE TO RADON IN DWELLINGS AND LUNG CANCER: A PILOT
STUDY (RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING
EPIDEMIOLOGY)
Pershagen,Goran; Damber, L°na; Falk, Rolf
Natl Inst of Env Medicine, Sweden
WHO/et al 3rd Intl Indoor Air Quality & Climate Conf,
Stockholm, Aug 20-24, 84 v2, p73(6)
A case control technique was used to examine the relation
between estimated lifetime exposure to radon in Swedish
dwellings and lung cancer. Fifty-three cases of lung
cancer and 53 controls were studied. Exposure estimates
were basod on data regarding house characteristics of
relevance for indoor radon levels. A higher exposure
to radon was indicated for the lung cancer cases than
for controls among smokers but not among non-smokers.
A positive interaction between radon and smoking may
explain these results. (9 references, 3 tables) (ENV)
VII-3
-------
Field applications of a radon barrier to reduce indoor airborne
radon progeny
Culot M.V.J.; Olson H.G.; Schiager K.J.
Monroeville Nucl. Cent., Westinghouse Electric Corp.,
Monroeville, Pa. 15146 U.S.A.
HEALTH PHYS. (ENGLAND) 1978, 34(5):498-501
CODEN: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Epoxy barriers were shown to be practical and effective for
preventing radon influx into structures. Gamma exposure rates
must be analysed carefully to ensure that buildup behind the
radon barrier will not introduce an unacceptable gamma exposure
level. To assure success in sealing out radon, it is essential
that all pathways (channels) between the source and the interior
of the structure be identified and sealed. The use of a sealant
was especially economical in situations where structural integrity
might have been jeopardized by physical removal of uranium mill
tailings.(EMB)
Influence of radon daughter exposure rate, unattachment
fraction, and disequilibrium on occurrence of lung tumors
Cross F.T.; Palmer R.F.; Dagle G.E.; et al.
Biology and Chemistry Department, Pacific Northwest Laboratory,
Richland, WA 99352 U.S.A.
RADIAT. PROT. DOSIM. (ENGLAND) 1984, 7(1-4):381-384
Coden: RPDOD
Languages: ENGLISH
Groups of male, specific-pathogen-free (SPF), Wistar rats were
exposed to several concentrations of radon daughters and uranium
ore dust to clarify the roles of exposure rate, unattached raA
daughters, and the degree of radon daughter disequilibrium,
in the development of respiratory system disease. Modelled,
human dosimetric data indicate that the dose to sensitive tissues
of the respiratory tract increases with increasing radon daughter
unattachment fraction and degree of disequilibrium. Data bearing
on these developments as well as updated results of experiments
designed to test the role of radon daughter exposure rate on lung
tumour incidence as rsported.(EMB)
INFLUENCE OF SEALANTS ON RADON-222 EMANATION RATE FROM
BUILDING MATERIALS
MORAWSKA L
INST. PHYSICS, JAGELLONIAN UNIV. PL. 30-059, CRACOW,
REYMONTA 4, POL.
CODEN: HTLPA
HEALTH PHYS 44 (4):416-8, 1983.
(MED)
VII-4
-------
Lung cancer and housing characteristics
Simpson S.G.; Comstock G.W.
Dep. Epidemiol., Sch. Hyg. Publ. Health, Johns Hopkins Univ.,
Baltimore, MD 21205 U.S.A.
ARCH. ENVIRON. HEALTH,(U.S.A.) 1983, 38(4):248-251
Coden: AEHLA
Languages: ENGLISH
Lung cancer incidence in Washington County, Maryland was
determined for a 12-yr period and was correlated with
personal and housing data from a nonofficial 1963 census.
Because indoor radon measurements were not available, two
housing characteristics reported to be related to indoor
radon concentration - type of basement construction and
type of building materials - were used as surrogate
measures. An adjusted rate of lung cancer incidence was
obtained for each characteristic. Only age, male sex,
amount smoked, and standard of living were significantly
associated with lung cancer. Rates were highest in houses
which had concrete walls and no basements, although the
differences were slight and could have occurred by chance.
(EMB)
LUNG-CANCER AND RADON IN DWELLINGS (ENGLISH)
AXELSON O; EDLING C; KLING H; ANDERSSON L; RINGNER A
LINKOPING UNIV HOSP,DEPT OCCUPAT MED/S-58185 LINKOPING/
/SWEDEN/; CTY
COUNCIL KALMAR,ENVIRONM MED UNIT/KALMAR//SWEDEN/
LANCET, 2(8253): 995-996, 1981 (SCI)
LUNG-CANCER AND RESIDENCY - CASE-REFERENT STUDY ON THE POSSIBLE
IMPACT OF EXPOSURE TO RADON AND ITS DAUGHTERS IN DWELLINGS
(ENGLISH)
AXELSON O; EDLING C; KLING H
LINKOPING UNIV HOSP,DEPT OCCUPAT MED/S-58185 LINKOPING//SWEDEN/
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH ,
5(1):10-15, 1979(SCI)
A model for predicting lung cancer risks induced by
environmental levels of radon daughters.
Harley NH; Pasternack BS
Health Phys, Mar 1981, 40 (3) p307-16
ISSN 0017-9078
Journal Code:G2H
Contract/Grant No.: ES 00260; CA 13343
Languages: ENGLISH
An estimate of the possible annual lung cancer incidence and the
VII-5
-------
lifetime risk from exposure to environmental levels of radon
daughters is presented. The model developed to do this accounts
for the apparent increase in the lifetime tumour risk with increa-
sing age of first exposure that has been noted in epidemiological
studies of underground uranium miners. The model predicts that if
the higher level mining exposures can be used to extrapolate
to environmental exposures, then from about one-fifth to all of
the spontaneous (nonsmoking related) bronchogenic lung cancer
may be attributed to this source. It appears reasonable to use
this model for predicting effects due to elevated environmental
exposures.(MED)
Radiogenic lung cancer in man: exposure-effect relationship.
Archer VE; Lundin FE Jr
Environ Res,(United States) Dec 1967, 1 (4) p370-83
ISSN 0013-9351
Journal Code: EI2
Languages: ENGLISH
Contract No.: AC03-76SF00098
Eleven portable air cleaning devices have been evaluated
for control of indoor concentrations of respirable particles,
and their concomitant effects on radon progeny concentrations
have been investigated. Of the devices we examined the electro-
static precipitators and extended surface filters had signifi-
cant particle removal rates, while the particle removal rates
for several small panel-filters, an ion-generator, and a pair
of mixing fans were found to be negligible. The evaluation of
radon progeny control produced similar results; the air cleaners
which were effective in removing particles were also effec-
tive in reducing radon progeny concentrations. Furthermore,
at the low particle concentrations, plateout of the unat-
tached radon progeny was found to be a significant removal
mechanism. The overall removal rates due to deposition of
attached and unattached progeny have been estimated from
these data, and the equilibrium factors for total and
unattached progeny concentrations have been calculated
as a function of particle concentration. (7 references,
2 figures) (ERA citation 09:046582) (NTIS)
RADON DAUGHTER EXPOSURE IN DWELLINGS AND LUNG CANCER
(RADON, PASSIVE SMOKING, PARTICULATES & HOUSING
EPIDEMIOLOGY)
Edling, Christer: Wingren, Gun; Axelson, Olav
Univ Hospital, Sweden
WHO/et al 3rd Intl Indoor Air Quality & Climate Conf
Stockholm, Aug 20-24, 84, v2, p. 29(6)
Some epidemiological studies have suggested a relation-
ship betweenradon daughter exposure in dwellings and
lung cancer. A survey is currently underway in Sweden
in 15 municipalities with alum shale deposits to
VII-6
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determine the importance of soil radioactivity in
interior radon concentrations and to identify a link
between the latter and lung cancer
minary data support the contention
the recorded lung cancers might be
elevated exposure to radon and its
(17 references, 3 tables) (ENV)
incidence. Preli-
that about 50% of
attributable to
daughters.
Radon in dwellings and lung cancer. A discussion
Stranden S
State Inst. Radiat. Hyg. , Osteras
NORWAY
HEALTH PHYS, (ENGLAND) 1980, 38(3):301-306
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
A discussion of the lung cancer risk associated with radon
exposure inside dwellings is presented. The risk factors
found for miners are discussed and modified according to the
lowsr mean breathing rates inside dwellings and the differences
in atmosphere. Statistical information on the lung cancer
incidence in the Norwegian population indicates that a "doubling
exposure rate' of radon daughters inside dwellings may be about
2-3 WLM/yr. This corresponds to a radon concentration of about
10-15 pCi/1. These values are used in a discussion of the
consequences of a future reduction of the mean ventilation rates
in modern houses.(EMB)
lung cancer
University
Hospital,
Radon in homes - A possible cause of
Edling C.; Kling H.; Axelson O.
Department of Occupational Medicine
S-581 85 Linkoping SWEDEN
SCAND. J. WORK ENVIRON. HEALTH,(FINLAND) 1984, 10(l):25-34
Coden:SWEHD
Languages: ENGLISH
An earlier case-referent study (Scand j work environ & health 5
(1979) 10-15) has indicated a possible relationship between
lung cancer and exposure to radon and radon daughters in dwellings
measurements in buildings specifically designed to use energy
efficiently or utilize solar heating. In many of these buildings
radon concentrations appear to arise primarily from soil
underlying the buildings. Measures to control higher levels,
e.g., by mechanical ventilation with heat recuperation, appear to
be economical. However, to evaluate energy-saving programs
adequately requires a much more comprehensive characterization of
radon sources (for example, by geographical area) and a much
fuller understanding of the dynamics of radon and its daughters
indoors than now exist.(NTIS)
VII-7
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Radon 222 in the gastrointestinal tract: a proposed modifi-
cation of the ICRP 30 model.
Dundulis W.P. Jr.; Bell W.J.; Keene B.E.; Dostie P.J.
Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Occupational
Health and Radiation Control, Providence, RI 02908 U.S.A.
HEALTH PHYS, (U.S.A.) 1984, 47(2):243-252
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
The New England states have a long involved history of radon in
individual well water supplies. As a result of these previous
findings on the abundance of radon, coupled with its potential
health impact, the new England Radiological Health Committee
(NERHC) formulated a technical developing uniform concentration
guidelines for radon in individual domestic water supplies.
This working group determined that the current ICRP Publication
30 metabolic model for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was
inadequate to address the empirically observed rates of sup 2sup
2sup 2Rn removal from the body. A modification to the ICRP
Publication 30 GI tract model is proposed which attempts to
resolve those differences. Calculations are presented, using
both the original and modified ICRP Publication 30 models, which
indicate that individual potable water supplies containing sup
2sup 2sup 2Rn concentrations as high as 400,000 pCi/1 do not
significantly increase the probability of stomach or intestinal
cancer, as defined by the BEIR III risk estimates. Since this
paper deals exclusively with the GI tract, no attempt is made to
address the lung burden imposed by the contribution of radon
released into the household air by aeration at the tap or other
fixtures. Only when the contribution of the radon water source
term to both the respiratory and ingestion pathways is evaluated
as a whole can any meaningful standard for sup 2sup 2sup 2Rn
in individual domestic water supplies be established.(EMB)
Review of Portable Residential Air Cleaners for Controlling
alpha-Radiation dose at bronchial bifurcations of smokers from
indoor exposure ro radon progeny.
Martell, E.A.
Natl. Cent. Atmos. Res., Bouldar, CO 80307
PROG. NATL ACAD. SCI. U. S. A. (U.S.A.), 1983, 80(51):1285-1289
Coden: NASA
Languages: ENGLISH
Synergistic interactions of indoor radon progeny with the
cigarette smoking process have been evaluated experimentally.
Smoking enhances the air concentration of submicron particles and
attached radon decay products. Fractionation in burning
cigarettes gives rise to the association of radon progeny with
large particles in mainstream cigarette smoke, which are
selectively deposited in 'hot spots' at bronchial bifurcations.
Because smoke tars are resistant to dissolution in lung fluid,
attached radon progeny undergo substantial radioactive decay at
VII-8
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bifurcations before clearance. Radon progeny inhaled during
normal breathing between cigarettes make an even larger
contribution to the alpha-radiation dose at bifurcations.
Progressive chemical and radiation damage to the epithelium at
bifurcations givers rise to prolonged retention of insoluble
sup 2sup Isup OPb-enriched smoke particles produced by tobacco
trichome combustion. The high incidence of lung cancer in
cigarette smokers is attributed to the cumulative alpha-radiation
dose at bifurcations from indoor radon and thoron progeny
sup 2sup Isup 8Po, sup 2sup Isup 4Po, and sup 2sup Isup 2Po, and
sup 2sup Isup 2Bi - plus that from sup 2sup Isup OPb-enriched
smoke particles. It is estimated that a carcinogenic
alpha-radiation dose of 30-100 rads (1 rad=0.01 J/kg
0.01 Gy) is delivered to congruent withlOsup 7 cells (congruent
withlOsup 6 cells at individual bifurcations) of most smokers who
die of lung cancer.(MED)
Kleitman, D.
Washington, DC
Relationship between Indoor Radon and Lung Cancer: A Study of
Feasibility of an Epidemiological Study
Rasmussen, S. ; Neuberg, D. ; DuMouchel,
Chernoff, H.
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge.
Corp. Source Codes: 001450000
Sponsor: Environmental Protection Agency
Report No.: MIT/TR/EPA-1
1981 62p
Languages: English
NTIS Prices: PC A04/MF A01
Journal Announcement: GRAI8417
Country of Publication: United States
Contract No.: EPA-68-01-6216
This report describes a study to assess
an epidemiologic investigation of the
residential radon exposure and lung cancer. Field measurements
of residential radon levels in the State of Maine are
described. Using these radon measurements and BEIR, 1980
risk assessments, it is estimated that at most 10% of lung
cancers in Maine can be considered attributable to residential
radon exposure. Calculations are made of sample sizes
necessary for a case-control study of radon and lung cancer,
for several levels of radon and smoking health effects. The
effects of misclassification of exposure variables on the
probability of detecting a radon health effect are discussed.
A comparison is made of three different mathematical models
which could be used for sample size estimation. Dollar cost
estimates are given for conducting an epidemiologic
case-control study of the relationship between residential
radon exposure and lung cancer.(NTIS)
the feasibility of
relationship between
VII-9
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Relationship between the sup 2sup Isup OPb content of teeth
and exposure to Rn and Rn daughters
Clemente G.F.r Renzetti A.; Santori G.; et al.
Comitato Nasionale per la Ricerca e per lo Sviluppo
dell'Energia Nucleare e delle Energie Alternative, C.R.E.
Casaccia, Division of Environmental Sciences, Rome ITALY
HEALTH PHYS, (U.S.A.) 1984, 47(2):253-262
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
Existing data on sup 2sup Isup OPb in human teeth are reviewed
for varioias countries. The mean value of sup 2sup Isup OPb
in the teeth of population groups exposed to 'normal1 levels of
radon-daughter exposure is about 2 mBq/g. A detailed analysis
of 48 samples from a 'normal1 Italian population group revealed
that smoking habits and age may have some influence on sup 2sup
Isup OPb content of teeth, while this is not the case for
differences in sex. A group of 45 Austrians exposed to elevated
levels of radon and radon daughters is compared with the Italian
group. After subtraction of background levels of sup 2sup Isup
OPb as found for the normal Italian population, the incremental
sup 2sup Isup OPb tooth content due to excessive radon-daughter
exposure has been correlated with the individual cumulative
exposure corrected for background radon-daughter exposure. A
statistical analysis shows the significance of the linear
correlation at the alpha = 0.01 level. For the incremental
increase of sup 2sup Isup OPb in teeth, a value of 1.2 mBq/g
has been used for a lifetime exposure to 1 WLM. This result is
compared to corresponding data published in the literature, which
are predominantly related to the sup 2sup Isup OPb content of
bone after short-time exposure at high levels, e.g. in uranium
mines. The comparison seems to indicate the influence of the
exposure rate and the need for a comprehensive model, which takes
into account radon-daughter inhalation, radon dissolved in body
fluids and sup 2sup Isup OPb metabolism.(EMB)
Respiratory exposure in buildings due to radon progeny
Au x i e r J . A.
Hlth Phys. Div., Oak Ridge Nat. Lab., Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37830
U.S.A.
HEALTH PHYS. (ENGLAND) 1976, 31(2):119-125
Coden: HLTPA
Languages: ENGLISH
The alpha radiation dose to the lungs of people who live in
buildings constructed of some granites, low density concretes,
and gypsum boards is higher than for residents of most other
types of dwellings due to the airborne progeny of radon. There
is evidence that sealing the interior surfaces with epoxy paint,
for example, can reduce the alpha dose to the lung significantly
without a compensating increase in whole body exposure to the
gamma rays from radon progeny. Based on the incidence rates for
VII-10
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lung cancer in uranium miners, a concentration of radon
of the order of l-5pCi/l. appears to be a reasonable limit
for 'lifetime1 exposure indoors for 'typical' home ventilation
conditions.(EMB)
VII-11
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APPENDIX:
STATE RADON CONTACTS
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STATE RADON CONTACTS
ALABAMA (AL)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 CST
24 Hour Phone #205/261-4378
Division of Radiological Health
State Department of Public Health
State Office Building
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
ALASKA (AK)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 PST
24 Hour Phone #907/789-9858
Radiological Health Program
Department of Health & Social Services
Pouch H-06F
Juneau, Alaska 99811-9976
ARIZONA (AZ)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 MST
24 Hour Phone #602/262-8011
Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency
925 South 52nd Street, Suite 2
Tempe, Arizona 85281
ARKANSAS (AK)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CST
24 Hour Phone #501/661-2136
Division of Radiation Control and
Emergency Management
Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205-3867
CALIFORNIA (CA)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 PST
Business: 916/322-2073
Radiological Health Branch
State Department of Health Services
714 P Street, Office Bldg. #8
Sacramento, California 95814
1A
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Los Angeles County
Business: 213/744-3244
Occupational Health and Radiation
Management
County of Los Angeles
Department of Health Services
2615 South Grand Aveneue Services
Los Angeles,California 90007
Orange County
24 Hour Phone #714/834-2127
Orange County Health Care Agency
Public Health and Medical Services
Environmental Health
Radiological Health Section
1725 West 17th Street
Santa ^na, California 92702
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 355
Santa Ana, California 92702
COLORADO (CO)
Office Hours - 8:30 -5:00 MST
24 Hour Phone #303/377-6326
Radiation Control Division
Department of Health
4210 East llth Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80220
CONNECTICUT (CT)
Office Hours- 8:30-4:30 EST
Business: 203/566-5668
Radiation Control Unit
Department of Environmental Protection
State Office Building
165 Capital Avenue
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
DELAWARE (DE)
Office Hours- 8:00-4:30 EST
24 Hour Phone #302/678-9111
Office of Radiation Control
Division of Public Health
2A
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Department of Health and Social Services
Robbins Bldg.
802 Silver Lake Blvd
Silver Lake Plaza
Post Office Box 637
Dover, Delaware 19901
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (DC)
Office Hours - 8:15-4:45 EST
Business:202/727-7190
Department of Consumer and Regulatory
Affairs
Service Facility Regulation Administration
614 H Street, N.W. Room 1014
Washington, D.C. 20004
FLORIDA (FL)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 EST
24 Hour Phone #305/299-0580
Office of Radiation Control
Department of Health and Rehabilitative
Services
1317 Winewood Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
Orlando Office
Business: 305/299-0580
Environmental Radiation Control
Program
Office of Radiation Control
Department of Health and
Rehabilitative Services
Post Office Box 15490
Orlando, Florida 32858
GEORGIA (GA)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 EST
24 Hour Phone #404/656-4300
Environmental Radiation Coordinator
Department of Natural Resources
Trinity-Washington Building
270 Washington Street, S.W., Rm. 824
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
3A
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GUAM (GU)
Business:671/734-2671
Department of Public Health and
Social Services
Government of Guam
Post Office Box 2816
Agana, Guam 96910
HAWAII (HI)
Office Hours - 7:45-4:30 HST
Business:808/548-4383
Noise and Radiation Branch
Environmental Protection and Health
Services Division
Department of Health
591 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
IDAHO (ID)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 MST
Business:208/334-4107
Radiation Control Section
Department of Health and Welfare
Statehouse Mail
Boise, Idaho 83720
ILLINOIS (IL)
Office Hours -8:30-5:00 CST
24 Hour Phone* 217/782-7860
Department of Nuclear Safety
1035 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, Illinois 62704
INDIANA (IN)
Office Hours - 8:15-4:45 EST
Business:317/633-0152
Radiological Health Section
State Board of Health
1330 West Michigan Street
Post Office Box 1964
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206
4A
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IOWA (IA)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CST
Business:515/281-4928
Environmental Health Section
Iowa Department of Health
Lucas State Office,Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
KANSAS (KS)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CST
Business:913/862-9360
Bureau Of Air Quality and Radiation
Control
Department of Health and Environment
Forbes Field, Bldg. 740
Topeka, Kansas 66620
KENTUCKY (KY)
Office Hours- 8:00-4:30 EST
24 Hour Phone # 502/564-7815
Radiation Control Section
Cabinet for Human Resources
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
LOUISIANA (LM
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CST
24 Hour Phone *:504/925-4518
Nuclear Energy Division
Office of Air Quality and Nuclear Energy
Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 14690
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70898-4690
MAINE (ME)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 EST
24 Hour Phone * 207/289-2155
Division of Health Engineering
157 Capitol Street
Augusta, Maine 04333
5A
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Mailing Address: State House, Station 10
Augusta, Maine 04333
MARYLAND (MD)
Office Hours - 8:30-4:30 EST
Business: 301/225-6031
Community Health Management Program
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
O'Conor Office Building
201 West Preston Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
MASSACHUSETTS (MA)
Office - 8:45-5:00 EST
Business:517/727-6214
Radiation Control Program
Department of Public Health
150 Tremont Street, Seventh Floor
Boston, Masschusetts 02111
MICHIGAN (MI)
Office Hours - 8:30-5:00 EST
24 Hour Phone 4:517/337-6100
Division of Radiological Health
Bureau of Environmental and Occupational
Health
Department of Public Health
3500 North Logan Street
Post Office Box 30035
Lansing, Michigan 48909
MINNESOTA (MN)
Office Hours -8:00-4:30 CST
24 Hour Phone # 612/778-0800
Section of Radiation Control
Environmental Division
Minnesota Department of Health
717 Delaware Street, SE.
Post Office Box 9441
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55440
6A
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MISSISSIPPI (MS)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 CST
Business:601/354-6657
Division of Radiological Health
State Department of Health
3150 Lawson Street
Post Office Box 1700
Jackson, Mississppi 39215-1700
MISSOURI (MO)
Office Hours -8:00-5:00 CST
Business:314/751-8208
Bureau of Radiological Health
173 East Elm Plaza
Post Office Box 570
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
MONTANA (MT)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 MST
Business:406/444-3671
Occupational Health Bureau
Department of health and Environmental
Sciences
Cogswell Building
Helena, Montana 59620
NEBRASKA (NE)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 CST
Business:402/471-2168
Division of Radiological Health
Department of Health
301 Centennial Mall, South
Post Office Box 95007
Lincoln, Nebraska 68509
NEVADA (NV)
Office Hours - 8:00-5:00 PST
Business:702/885-5394
Radiological Health Section
Health Division
Department of Human Resources
7A
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505 East King Street
Carson City, Nevada 89710
NEW HAMPSHIRE (NH)
Office Hours -7:45-3:45 EST
24 Hour Phone # 603/271-3636
(State Police-ask to page)
Radiological Health Program
Post Office Box 148
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
NEW JERSEY (NJ)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 EST
24 Hour Phone * 609/292-7172
Radiation, Pesticides, and
Environmental Laboratories
Department of Environmental Protection
380 Scotch Road
Trenton, New Jersey 08628
NEW MEXICO (NM)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 MST
24 Hour Phone # 505/827-9126
Radiation Protection Bureau
Environmental Improvement Division
Department of Health and
Environnent
Post Office Box 968
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-0968
NEW YORK (NY)
Office Hours -8:00-4:45 EST
State Health Agency
24 Hour Phone * 518/457-2200
Bureau of Environmental Radiation
Protection
State Health Department
Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower
Albany, New York 12237
8A
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State Environmental Agency
24 Hour Phone # 518/458-1875
Bureau of Energy and Radiation
Division of Regulatory Affairs
State Department of Environmental
Conservation
50 Wolf Road
Albany, New York 12233
State Labor Agency
Business # 212/488-7790
Radiological Health Unit
State Department of Labor
2 World Trade Center
New York, New York 10047
NORTH CAROLINA (NC)
Office Hours-7:30-5:30 EST
24 Hour Phone # 919/733-3861
Radiation Protection Section
Division of Facility Services
Department of Human Resources
Post Office Box 12200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27605-2200
NORTH DAKOTA (ND)
Office Hours 8:00-5:00 CST
24 Hour Phone # 701/224-2121
Division of Environmental Engineering
Department of Health
Missouri Office Building
1200 Missouri Avenue
Bismarck, North Dakota 58501
OHIO (OH)
Office Hours - 7:45-4:30 EST
Business: 614/466-1380
Radiological Health Program
Department of HealbJi
246 North High Street
Post Office Box 118
Columbus, Ohio 43216
9A
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OKLAHOMA (OK)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CST
24 Hour Phone * 405/271-5221
Radiation and Special Hazards Service
State Department of Health
Post Office Box 53551
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
OREGON (OR)
Office Hours 8:00-5:00 PST
24 Hour Phone $ 503/229-5797
Radiation Control Section
State Health Division
Department of Human Resources
1400 Southwest Fifth Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97201
Mailing Address: State Health Division
Post Office Box 231
Portland, Oregon 97207
PENNSYLVANIA (PA)
Office Hours 8:00-4:00 EST
24 Hour Phone # :717/783-8150
Bureau of Radiation Protection
Department of Environmental Resources
Fulton Building, 16th Floor
Third and Locust Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 2063
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
City of Philadelphia
Business:215/MU6-5155
Environmental Health Services
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
500 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146
10A
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PUERTO RICO (PR)
Office Hours-8:00-12:00;
1:00-4:30 AST
24 Hour Phone #:809/767-6060
Radiological Health Division
G.P.O. Call Box 70184
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 00936
RHODE ISLAND (RI)
Office Hours -8:30-4:30 EST
Business:401/277-2438
Division of Occupational Health
and Radiation Control
Department of Health
Cannon Building, Davis Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02908
SOUTH CAROLINA (SC)
Office Hours - 8:30-5:00 ESt
After Hours Phone # 803/758-5531
Business:803/758-8354
Bureau of Radiological Health
South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
SOUTH DAKOTA (SD)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 CST
Business:605/773-3364
Licensure and Certification Program
State Department of Health
Joe Foss Office Building
523 East Capital
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
Environmental Agency
Business:605/773-3329
Office of Air Quality and Solid Waste
Department of Water and Natural
Resources
Joe Foss Office Building
523 East Capital
Pierre, South Dakota 57501
11A
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TENNESSEE (TN)
Office Hours - 8:00-4:30 CSt
24 Hour Phone # 615/252-3300
Division of Radiological Health
TERRA. Building, 150 9th Avenue,N,
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
TEXAS (TX)
Office Hours 8:00-5:00 CST
24 Hour Phone $ 512/458-7460
Bureau of Radiation Control
Department of Health
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756-3189
UTAH (UT)
Office Hours 8:00-5:00 MST
Business:801/533-6734
Bureau of Radiation Control
State Department of Health
State Office Building, Box 45500
Salt Lake City, Utah 84145
VERMONT (VT)
Office Hours 8:00-4:30 EST
24 Hour Phone #802/244-8757 Pager #9
Division of Occupational and
Radiological Health
Department of Health
Administration Building
10 Baldwin Streeet
Montpelier, Vermont 05602
VIRGINIA (VA)
Office Hours- 8:30-4:30 EST
Business:804/786-5932
Bureau of Radiological Health
Division of Health
109 Governor Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
12A
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VIRGIN ISLANDS (VI)
Office Hours-8:00-5:00 AST
Business:809/774-1301
Department of Public Works
Post Office Box 3594
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00801
(St. Thomas and St. John)
WASHINGTON (WA)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 PST
24 Hour Phone $ 206/NUCLEAR
Radiation Control Section
Department of Social and Health
Services
Mail Stop LF-13
Olympia, Washington 98504
WEST VIRGINIA (WV)
Office Hours- 8:30-4:30 EST
24 Hour Phone # 304/348-5380
Industrial Hygiene Division
151 llth Aveneue
South Charleston, West Virginia 25303
WISCONSIN (WI)
Office Hours- 7:45-:30 CST
Business:608/273-5181'
Radiation Protection Section
Division of Health
Department of Health and Social Services
Post Office Box 309
Madison, Wisconsin 53701
WYOMING (WY)
Office Hours- 8:00-5:00 MST
24 Hour Phone # 307/777-7244
Radiological Health Services
Division of Health and Medical Services
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002-0710
13A
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