engleski

Indoor radon and geogenic radon potential mapping of certain counties with elevated radon values in Croatia

A national survey of indoor radon levels in Croatia was performed during 2003/2004 by LR-115 II track etched detectors and the average value of 68 Bq/m3 was obtained [1]. In the last few years, the targeted surveys of indoor radon in homes as well as public buildings with high occupancy (kindergartens and schools) were performed in some counties with radon values above average (Lika-Senj, Karlovac, Istria counties). Detectors were randomly distributed in homes across the whole geographic areas and the number of detectors depended on population densities of the investigated areas. The obtained average values were higher for Karlovac and Istria Counties (151 Bq/m3 and 105 Bq/m3, respectively) in comparison with the national survey results ten years ago (104 Bq/m3 and 76 Bq/m3, respectively) since more detectors were exposed in newly identified areas with elevated radon levels. The average radon values in kindergartens and schools were 1.6 and 1.9 times higher than in homes in the investigated areas. In Lika-Senj County both values exceed the highest recommended reference value of 300 Bq/m3 for radon in public buildings with high occupancy (kindergartens and schools) according to EU BSS. Radon concentrations in soil gas in these areas were measured with the AlphaGUARD and RM-2 measuring system. The soil permeability was measured by Radon-JOK permeameter in Istria County while in Lika-Senj and Karlovac Counties it was estimated as low, medium or high regarding the time necessary for soil gas sampling. A detailed geogenic radon potential (GRP) mapping based on field soil gas radon and soil gas permeability measurements was carried out. The relationship between GRP and indoor radon measurements in homes, kindergartens and schools were examined. According to the obtained results areas with elevated indoor radon levels in homes, kindergartens and schools as well as high GRP were identified [2]. The criteria for identification of “radon prone area” as part of the future National Action Plan for radon is proposed and discussed.

Indoor radon ; Geogenic radon potential ; Radon mapping

nije evidentirano