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Long term and equilibrium factor indoor radon measurements

  • Radium and Radon Measurement
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Abstract

This paper presents the annual radon gas concentrations obtained during the 1994–1995 monitoring campaign using passive electret system (type E-PERM). Radon levels were measured in 154 single family dwellings, in normal occupancy conditions (open house condition) in the metropolitan zone of Mexico City. At the same time radon monitoring was performed outdoors. The results show the general log-normal distribution of integrated indoor radon concentration with an annual indoor mean of 3.8 pCi·l−1. The seasonal variations show the minimum mean values in the summer season which are 39% lower than that in autumn. Equilibrium factors (F) were measured in 12 typical houses both in autumn and winter using a continuous working level monitor for short-lived radon decay products and H-chamber loaded with a short term electret (HST, E-PERM) for radon gas. The obtained total mean equilibrium factors are:F=0.41±0.17 andF=0.29±0.04 for indoor and outdoor, respectively. A quality program was also improved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Mexico, Building D, CU (04510), Mexico City, Mexico

    T. Martinez, J. Lartigue, M. Navarrete, L. Cabrera, A. Ramirez & V. Elizarraras

  2. National Institute of Nuclear Research Sierra Mojada 447-20, (11010), Mexico City, Mexico

    P. Gonzalez

Authors
  1. T. Martinez
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  2. J. Lartigue
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  3. M. Navarrete
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  4. L. Cabrera
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  5. P. Gonzalez
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  6. A. Ramirez
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  7. V. Elizarraras
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Martinez, T., Lartigue, J., Navarrete, M. et al. Long term and equilibrium factor indoor radon measurements. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 236, 231–238 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02386348

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02386348

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