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Natural radiation background in metropolitan Taipei
1Institute of Nuclear Science, National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Journal of Radiation Research
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Natural background radiation in Taipei was measured, revealing higher levels near specific geological formations like radium-bearing stones and uraniferous zones. Radon levels in buildings were not elevated, likely due to the subtropical climate.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiation Physics
- Geology
Background:
- Assessing natural background radiation is crucial for understanding environmental radioactivity.
- Metropolitan Taipei's radiation levels were previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure natural background radiation levels in metropolitan Taipei.
- To identify areas with elevated radiation.
- To assess indoor radon concentrations in buildings.
Main Methods:
- High-pressure ionization chamber for exposure rate measurement.
- Scintillation survey meter, gamma-ray spectroscopy, NaI(Tl) detector, and instrumental neutron activation analysis.
- Thermoluminescent dosimeters and radon detection in buildings.
Main Results:
- Average exposure rate measured at 27.55 x 10(-10) C kg-1 h-1 (excluding radon).
- Identified localized areas with higher radiation: radium-bearing stones (Peitou), uraniferous zone (Sanhsia), and uranium precipitation in basalt (Tachi).
- No significantly elevated indoor radon levels detected in Taipei buildings.
Conclusions:
- Taipei exhibits localized areas of increased natural background radiation due to specific geological features.
- Indoor radon levels are not a significant concern in Taipei buildings due to favorable ventilation in the subtropical climate.