Seasonal changes in radon concentrations in buildings in the region of northeastern Poland

• Published in: Journal of environmental radioactivity Vol. 77; no. 2; pp. 101 - 109
• Main Authors: Karpińska, Maria, Mnich, Zenon, Kapała, Jacek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 2004; Elsevier
• Subjects: Air Pollutants, Radioactive - analysis; Air Pollution, Indoor - analysis; Air Pollution, Indoor - statistics & numerical data; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Buildings. Public works; Environmental Monitoring - statistics & numerical data; Exact sciences and technology; Indoor pollution and occupational exposure; Indoor radon; Poland; Pollution; Pollution indoor buildings; Radon - analysis; Seasonal changes; Seasons; Temperature; Time Factors; Poland; Europe; Poland, Northeast; Poland; Seasonal changes; Indoor radon; Natural origin pollution; Atmospheric condition; Radioactive pollution; Radon; Radioisotope; Radioactivity measurement; Annual average; Atmospheric temperature; Correlation analysis; Seasonal variation; Indoor pollution; Monthly average
• ISSN: 0265-931X; 1879-1700
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.02.005

In this study, seasonal observations of radon concentration changes inside buildings carried out in the northeastern region of Poland is presented. One-year measurements of radon concentrations were performed in chosen buildings. The integral method of Cr-39 trace detectors in diffusive chambers was used. Mean values of radon concentrations were determined in monthly, 2-, 3-, 6-month, and annual observations. The fraction of a mean annual concentration of the value obtained in a shorter observation was calculated. Monthly concentration values were from about 0.2 to 14.9 of the annual mean. All buildings revealed seasonal fluctuation of radon concentration. Negative correlation of indoor radon concentration in the buildings and the mean temperature outside was observed in most examined buildings. The lowest coefficient range, determining which part of the annual mean value would be obtained in the 6-month observation, was gained for exposure begun in April or October.