Continuous radon monitoring in cave and mine environments

Radon activity concentration in the air of Domica karst cave and in the gallery of a former ore mine near Vyhne town was monitored continuously. The effect of meteorological parameters on radon concentration variations in the two types of underground environment was investigated. The results obtained from June to September were compared. Radon activity concentration reached 3800-11800 Bq/m3 in the gallery and 300-4500 Bq/m3 in the cave. Periodic daily variations and non-periodic short-term variations were recorded. Radon concentration was relatively stable from June to August in both the gallery and cave. No relationship between the radon activity concentration and atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, internal air temperature or rainfall was observed. Starting end of August, significant short-term variations and increased radon levels were observed in both types of environment. Radon decrease/increase with increasing/decreasing atmospheric pressure was observed in the gallery in September. (orig.)