Radon and air ion balance

In connection with the study of equilibrium among radon and its conversion products attention has been paid to air ionisation or, more precisely, to light atmospheric ions. Air ionisation variability and relationship between positive and negative ions concentration in the presence of ionizing radiation, local and microclimatic conditions have been observed. A very good correlation between light atmospheric ions concentration and radon volume activity or equilibrium equivalent of radon decay products has been found. Concrete measurements were conducted in karst caves and mine galleries without any meteorological influences. It was discovered that in most cases negative ions concentration predominated over positive ions concentration. This non-equilibrium was caused by a number of factors. In this work we have concentrated our attention to microclimatic and regime conditions of the individual locations. (author)