The Natural Radiation Environment VII: VIIth Int. Symp. On the NRE

The Natural Radiation Environment Symposium (NRE VII), the Seventh in the NRE series, which commenced forty years ago in 1963 at Rice University Texas, was held in Rhodes (Greece) in May 2002. During the intervening four decades the research work presented at these NRE Symposia has contributed to a deeper understanding of natural radiation and in particular of its contribution to human radiation exposures. It is clear from the quality and diversity of the 143 papers in this volume of Radioactivity in the Environment series that the study of the natural radiation environment is an active and continually expanding field of research. The papers in this volume fall into a number of main and topical research areas namely: the measurement and behaviour of natural radionuclides in the environment cosmic radiation measurement and dosimetry the external penetrating radiation field at ground level TENR (Technologically Enhanced Natural Radiation) and NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) studies assessment of the health effects of radon regulatory aspects of natural radiation exposures In these papers the results of many new surveys of natural radionuclide levels in the environment and of improved methods of detection are described. While some of the natural radiation sources investigated are unmodified by human activity, many accounts are given here of exposures to natural sources which have been enhanced by technology. Such TENR and NORM exposures are shown to range from activities such as mining, oil and gas exploitation, the use of industrial by-products as building materials, to space travel to name but a few. In several cases quite high doses to some individuals are shown to occur. Accounts are given here of methods to prevent and reduce exposures to such sources. Content: Natural Radiation Environment Page v Invited Foreword Pages vii-ix Murdoch S. Baxter Preface Pages xi-xii J.P. McLaughlin, S.E. Simopoulos, F. Steinhäusler Contents Pages xiii-xxiv Historical development of the Natural Radiation Environment Symposia Original Research Article Pages 3-11 A.C. George Understanding health risks from low doses of ionizing radiation Original Research Article Pages 12-17 D.G. Thomassen, A. Patrinos The significance of the natural environment in radiation protection Original Research Article Pages 18-26 F. Steinhäusler The theory of cosmic-ray and high-energy solar-particle transport in the atmosphere Original Research Article Pages 29-44 K. O'Brien Capabilities and limitations of high-resolution gamma spectrometry in environmental research Original Research Article Pages 45-55 J. Uyttenhove Radon decay products in outdoor air Original Research Article Pages 56-65 J. Porstendörfer, M. Gründel Contribution of animal experimental data for the risk assessment of exposure to radon decay products Original Research Article Pages 66-76 G. Monchaux On the exposure circumstances and some further risk estimates regarding leukemia in ages 0–19 years and exposure to ionizing radiation in homes of uranium-containing alum shale-based concrete Original Research Article Pages 77-84 G. Åkerblom, L. Hardell, M. Fredrikson, O. Axelson The implementation in national legislation of Title VII of the Council Directive 96/29/Euratom: Some general remarks and the case of Italy Original Research Article Pages 85-94 S. Risica, F. Bochicchio, C. Nuccetelli Exposure potential of depleted uranium ammunition in the environment – a review Original Research Article Pages 95-104 J.P. Mc Laughlin Changes in terrestrial natural radiation levels over the history of life Original Research Article Pages 107-117 P.A. Karam, S.A. Leslie Gamma ray direction finder Original Research Article Pages 118-125 K. Fujimoto, Y. Noda Continuous measurement of environmental gamma radiation using a Ge semiconductor detector and 222 Rn concentration in air Original Research Article Pages 126-134 T. Ichiji, T. Hattori Uranium concentrations and isotopic ratios in Austrian drinking waters Original Research Article Pages 135-139 M. Gegner, K. Irlweck Natural radionuclides in radium-rich soils in North-East Estonia Original Research Article Pages 140-149 E. Realo, K. Realo Depleted uranium determination in soil samples Original Research Article Pages 150-154 I. Bikit, J. Slivka, M. Krmar, M. Vesković, L. Čonkić, E. Varga, S. Ćurčić, D. Mrdja Measurement of snow cover based on external radiation Original Research Article Pages 155-159 J. Paatero, E. Kyrö, J. Hatakka, V. Aaltonen, Y. Viisanen Ra and U isotopes determination in phosphogypsum leachates by alpha-particle spectrometry Original Research Article Pages 160-165 J.L. Aguado, J.P. Bolı́var, E.G. San Miguel, R. Garcı́a-Tenorio Efficiency calibration for 210 Pb gamma-spectrometric determinations in sediment samples Original Research Article Pages 166-174 E.G. San Miguel, J.P. Pérez-Moreno, J.P. Bolı́var, J.L. Aguado, R. Garcı́a-Tenorio 238 U and its daughter products in Greek surface soils Original Research Article Pages 175-186 M.J. Anagnostakis, E.P. Hinis, S.E. Simopoulos Data leading to the investigation of a relation between seismic activity and airborne radon decay product concentrations outdoors Original Research Article Pages 187-197 D.J. Karangelos, N.P. Petropoulos, M.J. Anagnostakis, E.P. Hinis, S.E. Simopoulos Calibration of a HPGe detector for in-situ gamma spectrometry: a comparison between a Monte Carlo based code and an experimental method Original Research Article Pages 198-206 F. D'Alberti, M. Forte A new technique for accurate measurements of Ra-226 with γ-spectroscopy in voluminous samples Original Research Article Pages 207-212 M. Manolopoulou, S. Stoulos, D. Mironaki, C. Papastefanou Radon concentration in the tunnels of a hydroelectric power station under construction in Italy, a case study Original Research Article Pages 215-220 S. Verdelocco, D. Walker, P. Turkowsky Determination of the radon potential of a building by a controlled depressurisation technique (RACODE) Original Research Article Pages 221-231 W. Ringer, H. Kaineder, F.-J. Maringer, P. Kindl Population exposure to inhaled radon and thoron progeny Original Research Article Pages 232-237 O. Iacob, C. Grecea, E. Botezatu Preferential radon transport through highly permeable channels in soils Original Research Article Pages 238-259 R.B. Mosley A new approach to increasing the uptake of radon remediation in England Original Research Article Pages 260-264 S. Scivyer User-friendly computer programs that calculate radon cancer risks, progeny accumulation and gamma exposure Original Research Article Pages 265-275 S. Rydell Testing of radon-reducing measures under strictly controlled conditions in a laboratory house Original Research Article Pages 276-283 P. de Jong, W. van Dijk Looping variation of correlation between radon progeny concentration and dose rate in outdoor air Original Research Article Pages 284-289 N. Fujinami, T. Watanabe, T. Tsutsui Comparative dosimetry in homes and mines: estimation of K-factors Original Research Article Pages 290-298 J.W. Marsh, A. Birchall, K. Davis The principle of a passive, on/off, alpha track, closed radon detector Original Research Article Pages 299-305 J. Andru Intercomparison exercise of calibration facilities for radon gas activity concentration Original Research Article Pages 306-313 A. Röttger, A. Honig, G. Butterweck, Ch. Schuler, V. Schmidt, H. Buchröder, A. Rox, J.C.H. Miles, I. Burian, N. Michielsen, V. Voisin, F.-J. Maringer, A. Vargas In-vivo measurement of deposition and absorption of unattached radon progeny Original Research Article Pages 314-325 G. Butterweck, Ch. Schuler, G. Vezzù, J.W. Marsh, A. Birchall Assessing radiation dose for tour guides in Australian show caves from radon monitor measurements Original Research Article Pages 326-333 S.B. Solomon, J. Peggie, R. Langroo Influence of variable stress on underground radon concentrations Original Research Article Pages 334-338 A. Kies, F. Massen, Z. Tosheva Measurement of the unattached radon decay products with an annular diffusion channel battery Original Research Article Pages 339-345 N. Michielsen, V. Voisin, G. Tymen Intercomparison of the radiosensitivity of different measuring devices for environmental levels of radon Original Research Article Pages 346-351 A.C. George, N. Bredhoff Integrating measurements of radon and thoron and their deposition fractions in the respiratory tract Original Research Article Pages 352-360 W. Zhuo, S. Tokonami, H. Yonehara, Y. Yamada Determination of 218 Po nanometer size distribution in a controlled environment by two new systems Original Research Article Pages 361-370 A. Vargas, N. Michielsen, C. Le Moing, M. Rio, G. Tymen, X. Ortega Measurements and modelling of combined diffusive and advective radon transport in porous building materials Original Research Article Pages 371-380 M. van der Pal, W.H. van der Spoel, R.J. de Meijer, N.A. Hendriks, E.R. van der Graaf Czech study on lung cancer risk from residential radon Original Research Article Pages 381-388 A. Heribanová, L. Tomášek Czech study on uranium miners – evaluation of temporal factors in a 50 year follow-up Original Research Article Pages 389-396 L. Tomášek Activity concentrations of the thoron and radon progenies Pb-212 and Pb-210 in the healing gallery of Badgastein, Austria Original Research Article Pages 397-403 G. Wallner, P. Pany, S. Ayromlou Characterization of thoron and radon flow-through sources Original Research Article Pages 404-408 R. Rolle, M. Gründel, R. Schulz, J. Porstendörfer Some aspects of the radon problem in Kazakhstan Original Research Article Pages 409-419 V.N. Sevostyanov Studies on the short-lived radon decay products: The influence of the unattached fraction on the measurement of the activity size distribution Original Research Article Pages 420-424 M. Gründel, A. Reineking, J. Porstendörfer Radon exposure of the Greek population Original Research Article Pages 425-430 D. Nikolopoulos, A. Louizi, A. Serefoglou, J. Malamitsi Preliminary study of two high radon areas in Greece Original Research Article Pages 431-437 A. Louizi, D. Nikolopoulos, A. Serefoglou, J. Malamitsi Year-to-year variations in radon levels in a sample of UK houses with the same occupants Original Research Article Pages 438-447 N. Hunter, C.B. Howarth, J.C.H. Miles, C.R. Muirhead The charged fraction of the 218 Po ions in air under environmental conditions Original Research Article Pages 448-453 P. Pagelkopf, M. Gründel, J. Porstendörfer Activity size distribution in outdoor air: Short-lived ( 214 Po, 214 Bi/ 214 Po) and long-lived ( 210 Pb, 210 Po) radon and thoron ( 212 Pb, 212 Po) decay products and 7 Be Original Research Article Pages 454-458 M. Gründel, A. Reineking, J. Porstendörfer A comparison of the precision of (quasi-) continuous methods of measuring radon/thoron and decay product concentrations in air Original Research Article Pages 459-463 R. Rolle Correlation between radon concentration and geological structure of the Kraków area Original Research Article Pages 464-469 K. Kozak, J. Swakoń, M. Paszkowski, R. Gradziński, J. Łoskiewicz, M. Janik, J. Mazur, J. Bogacz, T. Horwacik, P. Olko Application of a portable LS counter for measurements of radon progeny in air Original Research Article Pages 470-477 S. Chalupnik, A. Kies Calibration and quality assurance of radon measurements in Sweden. Activities in 1990–2000 Original Research Article Pages 478-488 N. Hagberg The diurnal change in the vertical distribution of atmospheric 222 Rn due to the growth and rise of the stable stratification height in the atmospheric boundary layer Original Research Article Pages 489-496 K. Yoshioka, T. Iida A new method for supplying low radon air by using a hollow fiber module Original Research Article Pages 497-505 T. Iida, T. Kato Dose evaluation of indoor thoron progeny in some areas in China Original Research Article Pages 506-511 Q. Guo, J. Cheng, Y. Chen EU-Concerted Action for a survey on radon exhalation rate measurements for building materials and soils Original Research Article Pages 512-519 L. Roelofs, R. Wiegers, K.-H. Puch, G. Keller Radon concentration survey in schools of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, North-East Italy Original Research Article Pages 520-527 C. Giovani, C. Cappelletto, M. Garavaglia, R. Villalta 210 Po implanted in glass surfaces: Calibration and improved performance for retrospective radon reconstruction Original Research Article Pages 528-534 D.J. Steck, J.A. Berglund, R.W. Field Development of a method for estimating the airborne concentration of radon progeny, using an imaging plate Original Research Article Pages 535-541 T. Iimoto, T. Kosako, N. Sugiura, K. Kawashima Concentration, distribution and transportation of 222 Rn and its decay products in the environment of coastal Karnataka and Kaiga in southwest India Original Research Article Pages 542-553 H.M. Mahesh, D.N. Avadhani, K. Siddappa Natural radiation levels in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, India Original Research Article Pages 554-559 S. Tokonami, H. Yonehara, S. Akiba, M.V. Thampi, W. Zhuo, Y. Narazaki, Y. Yamada Natural radiation exposures for cave residents in China Original Research Article Pages 560-566 S. Tokonami, Q. Sun, S. Akiba, T. Ishikawa, M. Furukawa, W. Zhuo, C. Hou, S. Zhang, Y. Narazaki, H. Yonehara, Y. Yamada A study of atmospheric radon transport as a tracer of pollutants over the Japan Sea Original Research Article Pages 567-572 H. Aoshima, Y. Hashiguchi, J. Moriizumi, K. Yoshioka, Y.S. Kim, T. Iida Non-destructive evaluation of concrete condition using radon exhalation monitoring: a feasibility study Original Research Article Pages 573-581 E.R. van der Graaf, R.J. de Meijer Study of Radon-222 exhalation of phosphogypsum blocks used as building materials. Comparison with modeling Original Research Article Pages 582-589 F. Fournier, J.E. Groetz, F. Jacob, H. Lettner, A. Chambaudet, J.M. Crolet 15 years repeated investigations of the radon levels in 105 remediated Swedish dwellings, mostly single-family buildings Original Research Article Pages 590-597 B. Clavensjö Comparison between long-term and short-term measurements for indoor radon risk mapping Original Research Article Pages 598-603 F. Tondeur, I. Gerardy Cancer risks from radon in indoor air and drinking water in Sweden. The Swedish Radiation Protection Authority's risk assessment Original Research Article Pages 604-611 L. Mjönes, R. Falk Review of seasonal variation in residential indoor radon concentrations Original Research Article Pages 612-617 H. Arvela Developments in radon-safe building in Finland Original Research Article Pages 618-623 H. Arvela, J. Bergman, R. Yrjölä, J. Kurnitski, M. Matilainen, P. Järvinen Stochastic radon lung dosimetry – modeling variability of bronchial cellular doses Original Research Article Pages 624-631 R. Winkler-Heil, W. Hofmann Stochastic state-vector model of radiation carcinogenesis applied to radon-induced lung cancer risk Original Research Article Pages 632-639 D.J. Crawford-Brown, W. Hofmann Biophysical mechanisms and radiation doses in radon therapy Original Research Article Pages 640-648 H. Tempfer, A. Schober, W. Hofmann, H. Lettner, F. Steger Bioaerosols as carriers of radon progeny Original Research Article Pages 649-656 S. Kagerer, T. Rettenmoser, W. Hofmann, A. Falkensteiner, F. Steger Radon in Finnish mines – regular monitoring since 1972 Original Research Article Pages 657-664 M. Annanmäki, E. Oksanen, E. Venelampi, M. Markkanen Technical guidance on safe installation of a GAC filter used for removing radon from water Original Research Article Pages 665-669 M. Markkanen Outdoor radon and thoron in the USA, Canada, Finland and Thailand Original Research Article Pages 670-677 N.H. Harley, P. Chittaporn, M. Heikkinen, R. Merrill, R. Medora Early thoron concentration levels in Guarapari: Dosimetric implications Original Research Article Pages 678-686 A.S. Paschoa, J. Pohl-Rülling Indoor occupancy and radon exposure in Finland Original Research Article Pages 687-693 I. Mäkeläinen, S. Moisio, H. Reisbacka, T. Turtiainen Indoor radon: controlling factors, definition of the radon potential and its geographical distribution over Austria Original Research Article Pages 694-698 P. Bossew, H. Lettner Simultaneous measurement of radon and thoron exhalation rate from soil and building materials Original Research Article Pages 699-705 C. Cosma, O. Cozar, T. Jurcut, C. Baciu, I. Pop Exposure to radon in the northern part of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan Original Research Article Pages 706-714 M. Zhukovsky, R. Termechikova Stratospheric radon measurements in three North American locations Original Research Article Pages 715-721 I.M. Fisenne, L. Machta, N.H. Harley Determination of soil-gas radon concentration in low permeability soils Original Research Article Pages 722-725 Martin Neznal, Matej Neznal Indoor radon long-term variation assessment Original Research Article Pages 726-730 I.V. Yarmoshenko, Z.S. Zunic, J.P. McLaughlin, J. Paridaens, I.A. Kirdin, K. Kelleher Quality assurance of individual radon measurements Original Research Article Pages 731-739 T.R. Beck, J. Schwedt, P. Hamel Sensitivity analysis of an improved method for measuring the radon diffusion coefficient of porous materials Original Research Article Pages 740-748 W.H. van der Spoel, M. van der Pal Dose to the fetus from 222 Rn in maternal drinking water Original Research Article Pages 749-755 E.S. Robbins, N.H. Harley Prenatal exposure due to ingestion of natural radionuclides Original Research Article Pages 756-761 S. Risica, C. Nuccetelli Meta-analysis of twenty radon and lung cancer case–control studies Original Research Article Pages 762-771 I.V. Yarmoshenko, I.A. Kirdin, M.V. Zhukovsky, S.Y. Astrakhantseva A new Austrian recommendation guide for radon prevention in the design and construction of new buildings in areas with highly elevated radon levels Original Research Article Pages 772-778 F.-J. Maringer, P. Schillfahrt, T. Auer, R. Pecina The Natural Radiation Environment Symposium (NRE VII), the Seventh in the NRE series, which commenced forty years ago in 1963 at Rice University Texas, was held in Rhodes (Greece) in May 2002. During the intervening four decades the research work presented at these NRE Symposia has contributed to a deeper understanding of natural radiation and in particular of its contribution to human radiation exposures. It is clear from the quality and diversity of the 143 papers in this volume of ITRadioactivity in the Environment/IT series that the study of the natural radiation environment is an active and continually expanding field of research. The papers in this volume fall into a number of main and topical research areas namely: UL LIthe measurement and behaviour of natural radionuclides in the environment/LI LIcosmic radiation measurement and dosimetry/LI LIthe external penetrating radiation field at ground level/LI LITENR (Technologically Enhanced Natural Radiation) and NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials) studies/LI LIassessment of the health effects of radon/LI LIregulatory aspects of natural radiation exposures/LI /UL In these papers the results of many new surveys of natural radionuclide levels in the environment and of improved methods of detection are described. While some of the natural radiation sources investigated are unmodified by human activity, many accounts are given here of exposures to natural sources which have been enhanced by technology. Such TENR and NORM exposures are shown to range from activities such as mining, oil and gas exploitation, the use of industrial by-products as building materials, to space travel to name but a few. In several cases quite high doses to some individuals are shown to occur. Accounts are given here of methods to prevent and reduce exposures to such sources