A simple bubbling system for measuring radon (222Rn) gas concentrations in water samples based on the high solubility of radon in olive oil

Al-Azmi, Darwish; Snopek, B; Sayed, A.M; Domański, T

doi:10.1016/s0265-931x(03)00167-x

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…An important property of radon is its higher solubility in organic solvents compared to water, a property used in various analytical or field techniques (e.g. Al-Azmi et al 2004;Fan et al 2007;Schubert et al 2007). In general, radon behaves as an inert gas, though it can form clathrates and complex fluorides (no successful formation of oxides or other halides is known) (Cothern and Smith 1987).…”

Section: Basic Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radon sources and impacts: a review of mining and non-mining issues

Mudd

2008

Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol

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Radon is a ubiquitous natural carcinogen derived from the three primordial radionuclides of the uranium series ( 238 U and 235 U) and thorium series ( 232 Th). In general, it is present at very low concentrations in the outdoor or indoor environment, but a number of scenarios can give rise to significant radiological exposures. Historically, these scenarios were not recognised, and took many centuries to understand the links between the complex behaviour of radon and progeny decay and health risks such as lung cancer. However, in concert with the rapid evolution in the related sciences of nuclear physics and radiological health in the first half of the twentieth century, a more comprehensive understanding of the links between radon, its progeny and health impacts such as lung cancer has evolved. It is clear from uranium miner studies that acute occupational exposures lead to significant increases in cancer risk, but chronic or sub-chronic exposures, such as indoor residential settings, while suggestive of health risks, still entails various uncertainties. At present, prominent groups such as the BEIR or UNSCEAR committees argue that the 'linear no threshold' (LNT) model is the most appropriate model for radiation exposure management, based on their detailed review and analysis of uranium miner, residential, cellular or molecular studies. The LNT model implies that any additional or excess exposure to radon and progeny increases overall risks such as lung cancer. A variety of engineering approaches are available to address radon exposure problems. Where high radon scenarios are encountered, such as uranium mining, the most cost effective approach is well-engineered ventilation systems. For residential radon problems, various options can be assessed, including building design and passive or active ventilation systems. This paper presents a very broad but thorough review of radon sources, its behaviour (especially the importance of its radioactive decay progeny), common mining and non-mining scenarios which can give rise to significant radon and progeny exposures, followed by a review of associated health impacts, culminating in typical engineering approaches to reduce exposures and rehabilitate wastes.

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Section: Basic Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radon sources and impacts: a review of mining and non-mining issues

Mudd

2008

Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol

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“…In our earlier studies (Al-Azmi and Karunakara 2007) it was shown that olive oil can be conveniently used for the measurement of radon concentration in soil gas. Also, in another published work, the olive oil was used as absorbing medium for radon measurements in water (Al-Azmi et al 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Study on Radon Absorption Efficiencies of Edible Oils Produced in India

Karunakara

Al-Azmi²

2010

Health Physics

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A study on absorption of radon by different edible oils of plant origins produced and used in India was conducted in order to identify efficient radon-absorbing oils. A comparative study of radon absorption by edible oils of India with that of olive oil, which is known as a good absorber of radon, was also carried out. The study was performed by bubbling known concentrations of radon through the oil contained in a bottle and then evaluating the bubbled oil by gamma-ray spectrometry using an HPGe detector. The results show that oils such as coconut oil, gingelly oil (till oil), ground nut oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil, and saffola kardi oil are also good absorbers for radon, and among them coconut oil and gingelly oils are better absorbers than olive oil. The Henry's equilibrium constant (or the concentration factor), an indicator for the solubility of gas in liquids, was also measured for different types of oil by saturating a known volume of the oil with radon. The Henry's equilibrium constant varied in the range 7.32-8.22 for the Indian vegetable oils, and for olive oil it was found to be 7.88. The details of the experimental technique employed and results obtained are presented and discussed in this paper.

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