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Radon is responsible for the majority of public exposure to ionizing radiation. It is often the single largest contributor to an individual's background radiation dose, and is the most variable from location to location. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in buildings, especially in confined areas such as attics and basements.
The International Radon Project (IRP) is a World Health Organization initiative to reduce the lung cancer risk around the world. The IRP released their guidance to member countries in September 2009. [ 1 ]
In a working mine, the radon level can be controlled by ventilation, sealing off old workings and controlling the water in the mine. The level in a mine can go up when a mine is abandoned; it can reach a level which can cause the skin to become red (a mild radiation burn). The radon levels in some of the mines can reach 400 to 700 kBq m −3. [17]
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) consist of materials, usually industrial wastes or by-products enriched with radioactive elements found in the environment, such as uranium, thorium and potassium and any of their decay products, such as radium and radon. [1]
Radon concentrations can vary daily, and accurate radon exposure estimates require long-term average radon measurements in the spaces where an individual spends a significant amount of time. [ 173 ] Radon levels fluctuate naturally, due to factors like transient weather conditions, so an initial test might not be an accurate assessment of a ...
The gamma spectrum shows prominent peaks at 609, 1120, and 1764 keV, belonging to bismuth-214, a radon decay product. The atmospheric background varies greatly with wind direction and meteorological conditions. Radon also can be released from the ground in bursts and then form "radon clouds" capable of traveling tens of kilometers. [7]
In doing so, the workers ingested some of the radioactive paint; this eventually led to serious health problems including cancer, bone damage, and anemia. Several of these workers died from illnesses caused by radium exposure. [5] Many rocks and soils contain low concentrations of 226 Ra
A global issue is a matter of public concern worldwide. This list of global issues presents problems or phenomena affecting people around the world, including but not limited to widespread social issues, economic issues, and environmental issues.