Hourly measurement method for radon progeny volumetric activity in air

Abstract

A method of radon progeny volumetric activity hourly measurement in air was created. A radiometer, which measures the activity of a filter band through which air is sucked, was installed in a hermetic metal frame. Radiometer data was recorded and sent to the computer. The time of suction and the time for the filter band to turn were programmed by electronic stopwatches. This created an opportunity to estimate the hours for self-contained measurement and to leave the device in a room for any time. This hourly measurement method measured radon and radon progeny volumetric activity and evaluated its change and dependency on meteorological parameters. The radon progeny volumetric activity value varies from 62 Bq/m3 (in the cellar) to 27 Bq/m3 (on the second floor) in the ventilated air, and from 273 Bq/m3 (in the cellar) to 149 Bq/m3 (on the second floor) in the unaired room. The values in the ventilated air and in the unaired rooms differ approximately 4–5 times. It is also determined that volumetric activity depends on wind intensity, temperature and humidity.