A comparative study between the dynamic method and passive can technique of radon exhalation measurements from...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Science
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Radon and thoron exhalation from building materials and soils are significant sources of indoor radiation exposure.
• Accurate measurement of these radioactive gases is crucial for radiation protection and environmental monitoring.
• Existing techniques for measuring radon and thoron exhalation have limitations that require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively evaluate the 'can' technique using solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD) against the active monitors based dynamic method.
• To assess the accuracy and reliability of both methods for measuring radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) exhalation rates.
• To determine the content of radium (226Ra) and thorium (232Th) in geological samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized SSNTD-based 'can' technique and active monitors for dynamic measurements.
• Analyzed nine samples: eight granite and one phosphogypsum.
• Measured radon ((222)Rn) and thoron ((220)Rn) exhalation, alongside (226)Ra and (232)Th content.

Main Results:

• Significant thoron exhalation was detected from the analyzed samples.
• Observed thoron interference and leakage (approximately 0.05 h⁻¹) in the SSNTD-based 'can' technique.
• The dynamic method demonstrated faster and more reliable measurements.

Conclusions:

• The SSNTD-based 'can' technique exhibits intrinsic uncertainties due to thoron interference and leakage.
• The active monitors based dynamic method provides a more dependable and efficient approach for radon and thoron exhalation studies.
• Findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate methodologies for accurate radiological assessments.