Radon measurements and dose estimate of workers in a manganese ore mine. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shahrokhi, Amin; Vigh, Tamás; Németh, Csaba; Csordás, Anita; Kovács, Tibor
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 124(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Active radon detector -- Effective dose -- EU-BSS -- Manganese mine -- Passive radon detectors -- Radon -- Radon progeny; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.02.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: In the new European Basic Safety Standard (EU-BSS), a new reference level for indoor radon concentration in workplaces has recommended that the annual average activity concentration of indoor radon shall not be higher than 300 Bq m −3 . This paper describes the radon concentration level in an underground workplace (manganese ore mine) over long time intervals (4 years). Several common radon monitors devices – including NRPB and Raduet (as a passive method based on CR-39), AlphaGUARD PQ 2000Pro, SARAD EQF3220, TESLA and Pylon WLX (as active methods) – were used for continuous radon measurements. The output results were used, first, to comprised the result of each device, based on conditions present in underground mines; Second, to have comprehensive measurements about all factors that cause workers exposure to radiation (each monitoring device specified for a unique measurement). The results indicate that the mine's staff had successful efforts to reach the strict requirement of the new EU-BSS, and the average annual radon activity concentrations during the working hours were below 300 Bq m −3 in the investigated period. The paper presents the effective dose calculations; applying different equilibrium factors suggested by the literature and calculated basing on our measurements at the site, concluding that the differences could be about threefold. Highlights: New study on indoor radon concentration in manganese mine regarding EU-BSS 2014. Long period (4 years) underground mine measurement. Successful adoption to new EU-BBS.