Radon Exposure Study in Underground Mine Sites

Abstract

 The seepage of radon from the bowels of the earth is practically a natural process, and the accumulation of this gas can be observed in any closed ground spaces, underground mines, tunnels, underground garages, etc. That is why the measurement of radon concentrations is of interest not only to the mining industry and underground mines. For the present study, experimental measurements have been carried out for radon exposure in three underground mines using two methods for measuring radon content - digital (with an electronic device) and analytical (by placing CD/DVD plates). The analytical method is the placement of CD/DVD plates for measuring radon/thoron in underground sites (mining galleries, caves, etc.). The principle of the CD/DVD method is that it combines the high absorption capacity of the polycarbonate material of the discs with its track properties. This makes it possible to clarify the contribution of thoron and radon to the irradiation of miners and above-ground personnel. The digital method was carried out with the help of an electronic device, with which continuous monitoring of the concentration (volume activity) of radon in one of the underground sites was carried out and the results were compared with those from CD/DVD plates.