Intercomparison on the measurement of the thoron exhalation rate from building materials. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de With, G.; Kovács, T.; Csordás, A.; Tschiersch, J.; Yang, J.; Sadler, S.W.; Meisenberg, O.
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental radioactivity. Volume 228(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Natural radioactivity -- 220Rn -- Exhalation rate -- Building materials -- Interlaboratory comparison; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radiation, Background -- Periodicals; Radioecology -- Periodicals; Radioactive pollution -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactive Pollutants -- Periodicals; Radioactivity -- Periodicals; Radioécologie -- Périodiques; Pollution radioactive -- Périodiques; Fond de rayonnement -- Périodiques; 539.752
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-931X

Abstract

Abstract: Thoron ( 220 Rn) exhalation from building materials has become increasingly recognized as a potential source for radiation exposure in dwellings. However, contrary to radon ( 222 Rn), limited information on thoron exposure is available. As a result no harmonized test procedures for determining thoron exhalation from building materials are available at present. This study is a first interlaboratory comparison of different test methods to determine the thoron exhalation and a pre-step to a harmonized standard. The purpose of this study is to compare the experimental findings from a set of three building materials that are tested, and to identify future challenges in the development of a harmonized standard. Highlights: The intercomparison on thoron exhalation demonstrated considerable variation. A harmonized standard for determining the thoron exhalation would be much welcomed. Suggestions for a harmonized determination of the thoron exhalation are provided.