Annual average radon concentration in the show caves of Hungary

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 287; no. 2; pp. 427 - 433
• Main Authors: Somlai, J., Hakl, J., Kávási, N., Szeiler, G., Szabó, P., Kovács, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-02-2011
• Subjects: Caves; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Diagnostic Radiology; Estimates; Exposure; Fluctuation; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Inorganic Chemistry; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Physics; Physical Chemistry; Radon; Rocks; Underground; Show cave; Radon risk; High radon level; Occupational health
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-010-0841-9

Radon can accumulate in underground areas such as show caves. Repairmen and tourist guides working in such caves may thus be exposed to significant radiation doses. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the radon concentration to estimate the exact radiation dose caused by radon. Considering that the radon concentration in caves usually shows significant seasonal fluctuations, the monthly change of radon concentration was studied for 1 year in nine show caves opened to the public in Hungary. Despite the fact that all of the caves were formed in karst rocks, the annual average radon concentration levels were rather different between each other (541–8287 Bq m
−3
). The significant monthly fluctuation of the radon concentration indicates that the annual average radon concentration in caves can only be accurately obtained by year-long measurements.