Experimental measurements of the diffusion coefficient of 212Pb

Knowledge of the diffusion coefficient of Rn progeny is necessary for assessing the radiation exposure resulting from exposure to Rn and its progeny. The diffusion coefficient for 220Rn progeny was determined in ambient air by two independent methods, measuring deposition using a cylindrical tube or screens. A sampling train consisting of a diffusion tube and a screen-type diffusion battery was used for the experimental study. A range of flow rates and relative humidities was investigated. For 35% less than or equal to RH less than or equal to 85%, results from the two systems agree with each other. The diffusion coefficient of 212Pb was 0.036 +/- 0.002 cm2 s-1 and 0.037 +/- 0.004 cm2 s-1 for the tube and screen penetration methods, respectively. In low humidity air (RH less than 30%), a linear relationship between the diffusion coefficient of 212Pb and relative humidity was observed. The observed diffusion coefficient is strongly affected by the amount of material agglomerated onto the 212Pb atom. Further studies on the effects of trace gases and organics are required to fully understand the results.