Metrology for Indoor Radon Measurements and Requirements for Different Types of Devices

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Metrology
• Radiation Protection

Background:

• Decades of indoor radon measurements worldwide highlight a lack of global standardization.
• Existing US (short-term) and EU (long-term) protocols lack harmonized metrological support and clear QA/QC procedures.
• Absence of mathematical algorithms considering ISO/IEC concepts like measurement uncertainty and conformity assessment hinders reliable radon assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advance the theory of metrological support for standardizing indoor radon measurements.
• To develop a rational criterion for conformity assessment aligned with ISO/IEC standards.
• To establish unified metrological requirements for diverse radon measurement methods and devices.

Main Methods:

• Development of a rational criterion for conformity assessment in indoor radon measurements.
• Refinement of mathematical algorithms to determine temporal and instrumental uncertainties.
• Integration of ISO/IEC concepts, including measurement uncertainty and conformity assessment.

Main Results:

• A rational criterion is proposed that accounts for key uncertainties in indoor radon levels and instrumentation.
• The criterion allows for the effective use of both short-term and long-term measurements.
• Improved algorithms for calculating temporal and instrumental uncertainties are presented, ensuring at least 95% reliability in decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The developed rational criterion provides a foundation for harmonized indoor radon measurement standards.
• Unified metrological requirements are formulated, enhancing the reliability and comparability of radon testing globally.
• This work addresses the underdeveloped metrological support for indoor radon monitoring, crucial for public health protection.