External doses from plated-out decay products in radon-rich enclosed spaces

Abstract

In caves in the Alps, where Radon can reach concentrations of tens of or hundreds of kBq/m³, the deposition of decay products on the skin of personnel spending even short times inside may pose a radiological risk. The radiation protection expert (RPE) is confronted with evaluating on the spot, and quickly, this hazard, to take appropriate measures as needed. In the present work, estimates are proposed to assess this problem, estimates that can be used by the RPE for the needed screening to categorize the risk presented by these environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Radon gas
• decay products
• deposition
• radiological risk

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D. Mostacci

D. Mostacci earned a MS in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Bologna in 1981, then a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and Plasma Physics at the University of Arizona in 1985. He is with Bologna University since 1994; he is at present Associate Professor of Radiation Protection and of Reactor Kinetics in the School of Energy and Nuclear Engineering. Research in Transport theory, Radiation protection, Natural radiation, Medical applications of radiations, Nuclear and radiation technologies, Plasma physics. He is a Radiation protection expert (RPE) registered with the Italian Ministry of Welfare with the 3rd (highest) level. Present teaching duties: Radiation protection; Mathematical methods for engineers; Neutron transport; Reactor kinetics.

E. Moroder

E. Moroder, Graduated PhD Theoretical Physics at University of Firenze in 1970. He is a Radiation protection expert (RPE) registered with the Italian Ministry of Welfare with the 3rd (highest) level. Director of Health Physics Department of the National Health Services of the Provincia Autonoma of Bolzano from 1980 to 2010, member of the board of Italian National Association of RPEs (1984 -1996), member of the board of International Committee of Italian Radiation Protection Associations (AIRP) (2005- 2016). RPE for Environmental Protection Agency of Provincia Bolzano. Past teaching duties at Universities of Cattolica (Rome) and Verona: radiation protection, quality assurance in radiology and nuclear medicine, natural radiation.

G. Cucchi

G. Cucchi, Graduated in Nuclear Engineering; he is a certified RPE (Radiation Protection Expert). General Secretary and legal representative of the National Association of RPEs from 1979 to 2011; Director of the Health Physics Department of the Montecuccolino nuclear facility 1984; National coordinator of the RPEs of ENEA (Italy's nuclear energy body) 1991-1996, and of INAIL (Italy's National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) 1997-1999; Italian National Contact Point for EUTERP, the European Commission project for the harmonization of RPEs' qualification in the European Union; RPE for ALITALIA since 2001.