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Radon mapping by retrospective measurements - an approach based on CDs/DVDs
D Pressyanov1, K Mitev, S Georgiev
1Faculty of Physics, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, 5 James Bourchier Blvd., Sofia 1164, Bulgaria. pressyan@phys.uni-sofia.bg
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|March 23, 2010
Summary
Home-stored CDs and DVDs can map past radon (222Rn) levels using their polycarbonate material. This method offers accurate retrospective radon measurements and potential for large-scale environmental mapping.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiation Detection
- Geophysics
Background:
- Radon (222Rn) is a radioactive gas that poses health risks.
- Accurate retrospective mapping of radon concentrations is crucial for environmental monitoring and public health.
- Existing methods for retrospective radon mapping can be resource-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of using compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs) for retrospective radon (222Rn) concentration mapping.
- To investigate the potential for accurate, large-scale environmental radon mapping using readily available materials.
- To explore the expansion of this method for mapping radon in water and soil gas.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the inherent radon absorption and track-etch properties of polycarbonate in CDs and DVDs.
- Developing and applying a method for retrospective radon concentration measurements using stored CDs/DVDs.
- Conducting a posteriori calibration to assess measurement accuracy.
- Performing retrospective measurements in diverse geographical regions.
Main Results:
- CDs and DVDs effectively record retrospective radon (222Rn) concentrations.
- The method shows potential for achieving better than 10% accuracy in retrospective measurements.
- Measurements from three distinct regions demonstrated the method's suitability for large-scale radon mapping.
- Results showed very good correspondence when compared with independently evaluated retrospective radon data.
Conclusions:
- CDs and DVDs provide a viable and accessible tool for retrospective radon (222Rn) mapping.
- The method holds significant potential for cost-effective, large-scale environmental radon monitoring.
- Future applications may include mapping radon concentrations in water and soil gas.
