Radon measurements

The CR-39 passive track detector is extensively used in radon surveys throughout Europe and it has been recognised that regular international comparisons of these passive detectors are essential to ensure quality assurance. The importance of underpinning these surveys with measurements traceable to national and international standards cannot be overstated. With the worldwide concern over the health hazards posed by environmental radon, many countries have established radon measurement systems, and use additional measurement techniques for various applications other than the CR-39 detector. These include a wide range of passive and active integrating electronic devices, scintillation cells and the determination of radon decay products by High Resolution gamma spectrometry. In this work some of these methods have been compared as part of an international intercomparison of radon measurement systems in European laboratories. In general terms, results indicate agreement to within ± 15%. Alternative counting techniques and methods of measurement have also been investigated for potential use within radon measurement laboratories. (author)