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Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition)
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Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Atmospheric Techniques, Instruments, and Modeling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 8905

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Guo

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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Radiation Protection and Environmental Radioactivity, School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China
Interests: radon; radon progeny; continuous measurement; variations
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Miroslaw Janik

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Guest Editor
The National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Center for Advanced Radiation Medicine, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
Interests: radon; thoron; alpha spectrometry; machine learning; quality assurance; radiation protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the second volume in a series of publications dedicated to “Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/8W64KA3724).

Radon is a naturally occurring noble radioactive gas, which has been epidemiologically approved to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer for the general population. In addition, its unique physical and chemical characteristics make it an effective tracer gas in many research fields, such as atmospheric transport and mixing processes, simulation and estimation of the fluxes of greenhouse gasses. So, radon has long been of interest among radiological protection, air quality and climate change research communities worldwide.

The level of atmospheric radon concentration depends on local meteorological and geological conditions and always fluctuates. Consequently, for atmospheric radon concentration monitoring and measurements, techniques or instruments with high sensitivity, the capability of long-term autonomous operation and fast response time are required. Today, more and more instruments satisfy the requirement due to the significant progress of detectors, electronics and data transmission technology, fortunately.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent comprehensive achievements related to all aspects of atmospheric radon and thoron research, level and variation of radon and thoron concentration, monitoring and measurement methods and techniques, models for radon applications as a tracer in atmospheric and environmental science, etc. A traceability system should also be included for measurement quality control.

We look forward to your submissions. The Special Issue will promote the development of the research field of atmospheric radon.

Prof. Dr. Qiuju Guo
Dr. Miroslaw Janik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • atmosphere
  • radon and thoron
  • monitoring
  • measurement and calibration methods
  • quality assessment
  • application of radon as a tracer
  • NORM
  • public health
  • risk assessment

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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18 pages, 11301 KiB  
Article
Indoor Radon Monitoring and Associated Diffuse Radon Emissions in the Flanks of Mt. Etna (Italy)
by Nunzia Voltattorni, Salvatore Giammanco, Gianfranco Galli, Andrea Gasparini and Marco Neri
Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1359; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111359 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 2325
Abstract
Between October 2021 and July 2024, radon measurements in air and soil were carried out in the South and East flanks of Etna volcano to check the possible correlation between radon emissions and active faults/eruptive fissures and to obtain preliminary data on any [...] Read more.
Between October 2021 and July 2024, radon measurements in air and soil were carried out in the South and East flanks of Etna volcano to check the possible correlation between radon emissions and active faults/eruptive fissures and to obtain preliminary data on any negative impacts on human health. Fifteen continuous indoor radon monitors were installed in homes, some of which are inhabited by patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In all sites, the limit of 300 Bq/m3 indicated by the Euratom Directive 2013/59 was exceeded, even if slightly and for short periods. The highest values were recorded closest to active fault zones and during winters. Furthermore, 27 discrete indoor radon measurements were carried out using a passive method by means of activated charcoal canisters that were exposed for 48 h. Most of the values (>70%) were <100 Bq/m3; six canisters gave values >100 Bq/m3 and one >200 Bq/m3. Measurements of radon in soils were carried out using a Durridge RAD7 in the gardens of the homes in which the indoor radon measurements were made. The background radon values in soils were <5000 Bq/m3; the highest values (12,500 Bq/m3) were measured near the Aci Catena fault. The role of Etna’s faults in draining the deeper radon towards the surface and, therefore, into nearby homes is evident, with a consequent increase in the health risk caused by indoor radon pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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11 pages, 4716 KiB  
Article
Radon Concentration Assessment in Urban Romanian Buildings: A Multistory Analysis
by Ștefan Florică, Alexandru-Iulian Lupulescu, Tiberius Dicu, Ancuța Cristina Țenter, Mircea-Claudiu Moldovan, Gabriel-Cristian Dobrei, Luana Copaci and Alexandra Cucoș
Atmosphere 2024, 15(11), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15111267 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 504
Abstract
Radon (Rn 222) is a significant contributor to natural radiation exposure in residential environments such as single-family houses and multistory buildings. This study monitored radon activity concentration (RAC) in 455 apartments in 30 multistory buildings in Buzău, Romania. Integrated measurements of the RAC [...] Read more.
Radon (Rn 222) is a significant contributor to natural radiation exposure in residential environments such as single-family houses and multistory buildings. This study monitored radon activity concentration (RAC) in 455 apartments in 30 multistory buildings in Buzău, Romania. Integrated measurements of the RAC using CR-39 nuclear track detectors were conducted for a period of 3 to 4 months. The results revealed that the RAC varies between buildings, with an annual average between 33 and 77 Bq/m3. This variation may be attributed to poor ventilation and the chimney effect in common ventilation ducts, which may facilitate radon displacement vertically. Also, apartments with low occupancy or inadequate ventilation showed higher radon levels of up to 285 Bq/m3. The study highlights the potential risk of increased radon exposure in energy-efficient buildings due to poor ventilation, emphasizing the need for special attention to radon mitigation measures in building design. The results emphasize that the RAC is influenced by building characteristics, room use, and ventilation, with significant implications for health risks in urban residential environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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35 pages, 2405 KiB  
Article
Measurement Performance of Electronic Radon Monitors
by Thomas R. Beck, Elisabeth Foerster, Martin Biel and Sebastian Feige
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101180 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 710
Abstract
The measurement performance and characteristics of electronic radon monitors with respect to radiological and environmental parameters are investigated. The study includes a sample of 14 different types of devices from nine manufacturers. The devices are currently available on the market with acquisition costs [...] Read more.
The measurement performance and characteristics of electronic radon monitors with respect to radiological and environmental parameters are investigated. The study includes a sample of 14 different types of devices from nine manufacturers. The devices are currently available on the market with acquisition costs in the low or medium range. For comparison purposes, a high-end AlphaGUARD device is included in the study as a benchmark for measurement performance of radon monitors. Significant differences in the measurement performance are found between the tested instrument types. Overall, however, it can be concluded that most radon monitors perform acceptably and provide reliable information on radon activity concentrations in homes or workplaces, allowing residents and employers to make decisions about the need for radon protection measures. But it turns out that many radon monitors are supplied by the manufacturer with inadequate calibration, so that the instruments must be additionally calibrated in a reference atmosphere before they can be used. Among the tested radon monitors, there are also types with sufficiently good measuring performance, which represent an inexpensive alternative to high-end devices for radon professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 2167 KiB  
Article
Nonlinear Calibration and Temperature Sensitivity of Makrofol Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors for Radon Measurement
by Tuukka Turtiainen, Jussi-Pekka Laine, Salla Rantanen and Tiina Oinas
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101179 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 417
Abstract
A key characteristic of a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) is that as more alpha tracks accumulate on the detector, the likelihood of track overlap will increase, making it difficult to distinguish individual events. This article presents the calibration of an in-house SSNTD [...] Read more.
A key characteristic of a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) is that as more alpha tracks accumulate on the detector, the likelihood of track overlap will increase, making it difficult to distinguish individual events. This article presents the calibration of an in-house SSNTD using a Makrofol polycarbonate detector and electrochemical etching. The calibration employs a nonlinear log-logistic quantile function, which is nearly linear at low exposures but accounts for the reduced efficiency at high exposures due to overlapping alpha tracks. The function can be fitted to calibration measurements very accurately, eliminating systematic errors previously associated with the method at certain radon exposures. This article explores the uncertainties and detection limits associated with the calibration and outlines methods for their evaluation. Additionally, it includes a preliminary discussion on the method’s sensitivity to temperature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 4269 KiB  
Article
Factors Influencing Radon Variability and Measurement Protocol Optimization in Romanian Educational Buildings Using Integrated and Continuous Measurements
by Gabriel-Cristian Dobrei, Mircea-Claudiu Moldovan, Tiberius Dicu, Ștefan Florică, Alexandru-Iulian Lupulescu, Ancuța-Cristina Țenter and Alexandra Cucoș
Atmosphere 2024, 15(10), 1154; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15101154 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 469
Abstract
Due to the higher susceptibility of children to ionizing radiation, it is imperative to evaluate the radon activity concentration (RAC) in educational buildings, conduct additional investigations to identify radon entry routes, and implement remedial measures to minimize exposure to this radioactive gas. In [...] Read more.
Due to the higher susceptibility of children to ionizing radiation, it is imperative to evaluate the radon activity concentration (RAC) in educational buildings, conduct additional investigations to identify radon entry routes, and implement remedial measures to minimize exposure to this radioactive gas. In Romania, educational buildings are a category of public buildings where it is mandatory to perform RAC measurements. The present study examines data obtained from 41 Romanian educational buildings, where initial and additional radon investigations were performed. The first objective was to identify the factors influencing the variability of the RAC inside the buildings. The second objective was to emphasize the importance of short-term (a few days), continuous measurements in identifying buildings with RAC exceeding the reference level. High RAC values were associated with the classrooms located on the ground floor of the building compared to the administrative ones. The multiple linear regression led to a coefficient of determination of 0.11, the relative humidity and the amount of precipitation being the main variables with a significant impact, kept in the model, the lack of a significant association between the indoor RAC and the radon potential in the soil being obtained. Comparison of the radon long-term integrated measurements with continuous, short-term, led to the suggestion of three different scenarios for the measurement work protocol. By following the suggested modifications, it is possible to accelerate the procedure in situations where the time needed to plan renovations and radon remedial measures is shorter than the time needed to conduct integrated measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 2273 KiB  
Article
Pilot Survey of Outdoor Radon and Thoron Levels in Bulgaria Using an Innovative DVD-Based Method
by Dobromir Pressyanov and Dimitar Dimitrov
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1141; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091141 - 21 Sep 2024
Viewed by 636
Abstract
This study presents the results of a pilot survey utilizing an innovative DVD-based method to measure outdoor radon and thoron levels. Twenty-six discriminative radon/thoron detectors were deployed across four different territorial zones in Bulgaria. Positioned 1 m above the ground, these detectors were [...] Read more.
This study presents the results of a pilot survey utilizing an innovative DVD-based method to measure outdoor radon and thoron levels. Twenty-six discriminative radon/thoron detectors were deployed across four different territorial zones in Bulgaria. Positioned 1 m above the ground, these detectors were left in place for several months. Notably, the dataset reveals significant variability in measurements, even over short distances, with thoron exhibiting greater variability than radon. Radon levels ranged from 7 ± 1 to 34 ± 3 Bq m−3 (average: 21 Bq m−3), while thoron levels ranged from 13 ± 5 to 307 ± 54 Bq m−3 (average: 170 Bq m−3). A weak but statistically significant correlation (correlation coefficient: 0.559) was observed between radon and thoron levels, which improved significantly when averaged across the four zones. These findings underscore the importance of measuring both radon and thoron in outdoor surveys. High thoron levels can significantly bias radon measurements, particularly when radon concentrations are substantially lower than those of thoron. If further studies confirm the good correlation between area averages, the observed correlation between area-average values could be used to correct average radon levels in large areas (e.g., radon priority areas) for thoron interference when thoron data are missing from the analyzed radon dataset. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 5352 KiB  
Article
Investigating Radon Concentrations in the Cango Cave, South Africa
by Jacques Bezuidenhout and Rikus le Roux
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091133 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 583
Abstract
Radon concentrations in the tourist part of the Cango cave were measured using 25 strategically placed electret ion chambers. Airflow rates were also measured and found to be less than 1 m/s throughout the cave. An IDW interpolated radon concentration overlay was constructed [...] Read more.
Radon concentrations in the tourist part of the Cango cave were measured using 25 strategically placed electret ion chambers. Airflow rates were also measured and found to be less than 1 m/s throughout the cave. An IDW interpolated radon concentration overlay was constructed using QGIS and overlayed on maps of the cave. The maximum radon concentration of 2625 Bq/m3 was measured in the Grand Hall, located in the central part of the cave following a narrow passage. The initial part of the cave near the entrance exhibited normal cave breathing characteristics, with radon concentrations of less than 300 Bq/m3. The deepest section of the cave, however, demonstrated an unexpected decrease in radon levels, temperature, and humidity. The average radon concentration in the Cango cave, measured at 1265 Bq/m3, is relatively low compared to other caves worldwide that need mitigation measures according to the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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11 pages, 900 KiB  
Article
Radon Equilibrium Factor and the Assessment of the Annual Effective Dose at Underground Workplaces
by Agata Grygier and Krystian Skubacz
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1131; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091131 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 804
Abstract
The equilibrium factor F is one of the parameters that should be considered when assessing the effective dose based on radon activity concentration. Since the equilibrium factor in various environments ranges theoretically from a value close to 0 to 1, it is expected [...] Read more.
The equilibrium factor F is one of the parameters that should be considered when assessing the effective dose based on radon activity concentration. Since the equilibrium factor in various environments ranges theoretically from a value close to 0 to 1, it is expected that dose assessment based on one recommended coefficient value may lead to an underestimation or overestimation of the dose. That is why it is essential to measure this quantity if the basis for dose assessment is the radon concentration and not the concentration of radon decay products. The equilibrium factors were determined based on measurements of radon activity concentration and potential alpha energy concentration and varied from 0.15 to 0.94, with an arithmetic mean of 0.55. The average effective dose calculated for the employee taking into account these values was 31 mSv, assuming an annual working time of 1800 h. In turn, the average effective dose calculated for the equilibrium factor of 0.2 as recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was equal to 13 mSv. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 3329 KiB  
Article
Influence of Meteorological Parameters on Indoor Radon Concentration Levels in the Aksu School
by Yerlan Kashkinbayev, Meirat Bakhtin, Polat Kazymbet, Anel Lesbek, Baglan Kazhiyakhmetova, Masaharu Hoshi, Nursulu Altaeva, Yasutaka Omori, Shinji Tokonami, Hitoshi Sato and Danara Ibrayeva
Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091067 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 837
Abstract
The radon concentration activity in buildings is influenced by various factors, including meteorological elements like temperature, pressure, and precipitation, which are recognized as significant influencers. The fluctuations of indoor radon in premises are related to seasonal change. This study aimed to understand better [...] Read more.
The radon concentration activity in buildings is influenced by various factors, including meteorological elements like temperature, pressure, and precipitation, which are recognized as significant influencers. The fluctuations of indoor radon in premises are related to seasonal change. This study aimed to understand better the effects of environmental parameters on indoor radon concentration levels in the Aksu school. Indoor and outdoor temperature differentials heavily influence diurnal indoor radon patterns. The analysis indicates that the correlation between indoor radon and outdoor temperature, dew point, and air humidity is weak and negligible for atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and precipitation, as determined by the obtained values of R2 and the Chaddock scale. The multiple regression model is characterized by the correlation coefficient rxy = 0.605, which corresponds to a close relationship on the Chaddock scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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10 pages, 1606 KiB  
Article
Indoor Radon Testing, Effective Dose and Mitigation Measures in a Residential House of a Mining Area
by Dušica Spasić, Ljiljana Gulan and Biljana Vučković
Atmosphere 2024, 15(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15070745 - 21 Jun 2024
Viewed by 877
Abstract
This study presents the results of continuous indoor radon measurements in a test-house in the vicinity of the “Trepča” mine, near the town of Kosovska Mitrovica. Annual measurements were performed using the detector, Airthings Corentium Home, in the bedroom of an old residential [...] Read more.
This study presents the results of continuous indoor radon measurements in a test-house in the vicinity of the “Trepča” mine, near the town of Kosovska Mitrovica. Annual measurements were performed using the detector, Airthings Corentium Home, in the bedroom of an old residential building. A high estimated annual effective dose from radon (33 mSv) was calculated using the last ICRP dose conversion factor and is discussed here regarding the previously recommended ones. There are significant indications concerning the health hazard. Several measures are proposed and serve as a technical solution including other effective, low-cost radon mitigation procedures in order to reduce radon levels. The effectiveness of the applied measures resulted in a 44% reduction in radon concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Radon Concentration Monitoring and Measurements (2nd Edition))
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