Radon sources and impacts: a review of mining and non-mining issues |
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Authors: | Gavin M Mudd |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 3800 Clayton , Australia |
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Abstract: | Radon is a ubiquitous natural carcinogen derived from the three primordial radionuclides of the uranium series (238U and 235U) and thorium series (232Th). In general, it is present at very low concentrations in the outdoor or indoor environment, but a number of scenarios
can give rise to significant radiological exposures. Historically, these scenarios were not recognised, and took many centuries
to understand the links between the complex behaviour of radon and progeny decay and health risks such as lung cancer. However,
in concert with the rapid evolution in the related sciences of nuclear physics and radiological health in the first half of
the twentieth century, a more comprehensive understanding of the links between radon, its progeny and health impacts such
as lung cancer has evolved. It is clear from uranium miner studies that acute occupational exposures lead to significant increases
in cancer risk, but chronic or sub-chronic exposures, such as indoor residential settings, while suggestive of health risks,
still entails various uncertainties. At present, prominent groups such as the BEIR or UNSCEAR committees argue that the ‘linear
no threshold’ (LNT) model is the most appropriate model for radiation exposure management, based on their detailed review
and analysis of uranium miner, residential, cellular or molecular studies. The LNT model implies that any additional or excess
exposure to radon and progeny increases overall risks such as lung cancer. A variety of engineering approaches are available
to address radon exposure problems. Where high radon scenarios are encountered, such as uranium mining, the most cost effective
approach is well-engineered ventilation systems. For residential radon problems, various options can be assessed, including
building design and passive or active ventilation systems. This paper presents a very broad but thorough review of radon sources,
its behaviour (especially the importance of its radioactive decay progeny), common mining and non-mining scenarios which can
give rise to significant radon and progeny exposures, followed by a review of associated health impacts, culminating in typical
engineering approaches to reduce exposures and rehabilitate wastes. |
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Keywords: | Radon Radon progeny Uranium mining Indoor radon Health impacts Radiation exposure |
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