Purpose: This paper reports the results of the international collaboration
on direct measurements of radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) progeny in in-
door environments (dwellings and schools) in some parts of the whole
of Balkan region (Serbia with Kosovo, Republic of Srpska, Slovenia and
Macedonia).
Argumentations: Direct and time integrated measurements of Rn and
Tn progeny were carried out using direct Radon and Thoron Progeny
Sensors (DTPS and DRPS), which are basically deposition based progeny
sensors, in which the deposited progeny activity is detected by SSNTDs.
These are passive detectors meant for long term time integrated measurements.
The
progeny or
the decay products of Rn and Tn are the major
dose
givers. While assessing the inhalation
doses to the
public,
pas-
sive long term measurements are essential. Large scale Rn and Tn decay
product monitoring was carried out in dwellings (appr.300) during a
period 2011-2013, in each house for minimum 6 months up to one year
(Serbia with Kosovo, Republic of Srpska, Slovenia) and/or 68 schools (Republic
of
Srpska, Macedonia). In
Kosovo
40
houses were
monitored
for
2 two different seasons, one during December – May 2011 and the other
May – December 2012. In Slovenia 100 houses were monitored for progeny
concentration during 2011-2012. The results are further discussed.
Conclusion: The overall analysis of around 400 detectors deployed
showed t
• Both EETC and EERC obtained using DTPS and DRPS respectively
showed a log normal distribution pattern.
• The overall GM of EETC was obtained as 0.69 Bq/m3 with a GSD of 2.0;
• The GM of EERC was obtained as 11.02 Bq/m3 with a GSD of 2.6;
• In Kosovo during the winter December to May 2011, the EERC and EETC
were twice that during May to December 2012.
• A remarkable finding is the positive correlation between EERC and
EETC, while there is none for the parents Rn and Tn. . The average EERC
and EETC were measured as 11.31 ± 3.2 and 0.34 ± 0.22 Bq/m3 respectively.
Decay product monitoring
was
carried out
in
43
schools of
Macedonia.
The geometric
mean
values (and geometric standard
deviation)
of
EERC and EETC were 27 Bq/m3(1.4)
and
0.75 Bq/m3(1.4)
respectively.
The
results are further discussed
