Study of radon diffusion coefficient of synthetic and natural fibers for radon mitigation applications

As long-term exposure to elevated radon (²²²Rn) levels has been associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, radon mitigation is essential in high radon background areas to decrease the inhalation dose as well as in underground laboratories where ²²²Rn can be a background for high-energy physics experiments. In this regard, the generally used radon mitigation strategies comprise of soil depressurization, sealing the emanating surfaces, using barriers and membranes, providing appropriate ventilation etc. In the present study a dual chamber diffusion sampler based on ISO/TS 11665-13:2017 was developed to test the radon mitigation factors of commercially available synthetic and natural fibers. Radon diffusion coefficient in these barrier materials was also determined. Use of natural fibers for radon mitigation will form a database of eco-friendly barrier materials for sustainable mitigation of radon.