A note on "an erroneous formula in use for estimating radon exhalation rates from samples using sealed can technique"

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Radiological Protection
• Nuclear Geophysics

Background:

• The sealed can technique utilizing Solid-State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) is a common method for measuring radon-222 (222Rn) exhalation rates.
• A specific formula has been widely adopted in literature for these calculations.
• Previous studies have relied on this formula to report surface exhalation rates for various materials.

Discussion:

• This note identifies a critical fallacy in a commonly used formula for 222Rn exhalation rate calculations with SSNTDs.
• The identified formula leads to an underestimation of true exhalation rates by a factor exceeding 10^6.
• This significant underestimation renders previously reported low surface exhalation rates from normal materials unrealistic.

Key Insights:

• A prevalent formula for SSNTD-based 222Rn exhalation rate measurement contains a serious error.
• The erroneous formula underestimates true radon exhalation by over a million times.
• Numerous publications reporting low 222Rn surface exhalation rates are based on this flawed calculation.

Outlook:

• Re-evaluation of past studies utilizing the incorrect formula is necessary.
• Corrected methodologies are crucial for accurate environmental radon monitoring.
• Further research should focus on validating and refining 222Rn exhalation measurement techniques.