The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Tim Arnold

Tim Arnold

Associate Professor

Tim Arnold

New metrology for radon at the environmental level

Author

  • Annette Röttger
  • Stefan Röttger
  • Claudia Grossi
  • Arturo Vargas
  • Roger Curcoll
  • Petr Otáhal
  • Miguel Ángel Hernández-Ceballos
  • Giorgia Cinelli
  • Scott Chambers
  • Susana Alexandra Barbosa
  • Mihail Razvan Ioan
  • Ileana Radulescu
  • Dafina Kikaj
  • Edward Chung
  • Tim Arnold
  • Camille Yver-Kwok
  • Marta Fuente
  • Florian Mertes
  • Viacheslav Morosh
Show all

Summary, in English

Radon gas is the largest source of public exposure to naturally occurring radioactivity. However, radon is also a useful tracer for understanding atmospheric processes, assessing the accuracy of chemical transport models, and enabling integrated emissions estimates of greenhouse gases. A sound metrological system for low level atmospheric radon observations is therefore needed for the benefit of the atmospheric, climate and radiation protection research communities. To this end, here we present a new calibration method for activity concentrations below 20 Bq m-3 and a prototype of the first portable radon monitor capable of achieving uncertainties of 5% (at k = 2) at these concentrations. Compliance checking of policy-driven regulations regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is an essential component of climate change mitigation efforts. Independent, reliable 'top down' methods that can be applied consistently for estimating local- to regional-scale GHG emissions (such as the radon tracer method (RTM)) are an essential part of this process. The RTM relies upon observed radon and GHG concentrations and measured or modeled radon fluxes. Reliable radon flux maps could also significantly aid EU member states comply with European COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2013/59/EURATOM. This article also introduces the traceRadon project, key aims of which include outlining a standardized approach for application of the RTM, creating infrastructure with a traceability chain for radon concentration and radon flux measurements, and developing tools for the validation of radon flux models. Since radon progeny dominate the terrestrial gamma dose rate, the planned traceRadon activities are also expected to improve the sensitivity of radiation protection early warning networks because of the correlation known to exist between radon flux and ambient equivalent dose rates.

Publishing year

2021-12

Language

English

Publication/Series

Measurement Science and Technology

Volume

32

Issue

12

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

IOP Publishing

Keywords

  • environmental measurements
  • metrology
  • radon
  • tracer

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0957-0233