The assessment of radon and its daughters in North Sea gas used in the United Kingdom

Measurements were made on all the North Sea gas fields currently supplying the United Kingdom to determine the possible exposure of the public from radon and its daughters. The nuclides of interest were radon-222, polonium-210 and lead-210. The methods of sampling and analysis used on gas samples are briefly described. All samples were taken from the point of entry to the on-shore station, before chemical processing or dilution with other gas on the national grid system. The possible exposures were assessed and compared with those from other sources of radon in the home. It was concluded that no significant radiation exposure would result from the use of gas from any of these fields. In addition all the fields presently in use will be monitored at regular intervals. (H.K.)