An outdoor radon survey and minimizing the uncertainties in low level measurements using CR-39 detectors

Long term outdoor radon measurements were recorded in Ireland using CR-39 track etch detectors. A measurement protocol was designed for this study, which was optimized for the relatively low radon concentrations expected outdoors. This protocol included pre-etching the detectors before exposure to allow radon tracks to be more easily distinguished from background. The average outdoor radon concentration for the Republic of Ireland was found to be 5.6 ± 0.7 Bq m(-3). A statistically significant difference between inland and coastal radon concentrations was evident but no difference between mean radon concentrations on the east coast and those on the west coast was observed.