Mercury ore processing—A new source of technologically enhanced natural radioactivity

Krizman, M.; Stegnar, P.; Miklavčič, V.

doi:10.1016/s0160-4120(96)00115-8

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…One apartment measured an indoor radon activity of between 7,300 and 15,000 Bq/m 3 while outdoor radon activity averaged nearly 100 m 3 in the town centre (Križman et al 1996).…”

Section: Other Miningmentioning

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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“…One apartment measured an indoor radon activity of between 7,300 and 15,000 Bq/m 3 while outdoor radon activity averaged nearly 100 m 3 in the town centre (Križman et al 1996).…”

Section: Other Miningmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Mudd

2008

Rev Environ Sci Biotechnol

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“…The main mines identified as sources of TENORM are (see Fig. 1): uranium mine at Žirovski vrh (RUŽV), mercury mine in Idrija, coal mine in Kočevje and brown coal mine in Senovo [3][4][5][6]. The biggest coal-fired thermal power plants (TPP) are located in the cities of Ljubljana (TE-TOL), Trbovlje (TET) and Šoštanj (TEŠ).…”

Section: Identification Of Tenorm Sources In Sloveniamentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification and inventory of tenorm sources in Slovenia

2006

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The paper addresses identification of industries and activities handling NORM and inventory of TENORM in Slovenia. The identification is based on survey of historical information available, results published in scientific papers, research reports made by research institutions within Slovenia, as well as original research aimed at obtaining more detailed picture of the areas investigated. For this purpose, gamma dose-rate measurements were performed on site, sampled TENORM/NORM materials were measured by high-resolution gamma spectrometry for determination of 210 Pb, 238 U, 232 Th, 228 Th and 226 Ra. Waste water and ground water samples were analysed for 238 U, 226 Ra and 210 Pb using RNAA, LSC and beta proportional counting. The inventory of the investigated sites is presented, giving the information on amounts of the deposited wastes, specific activities of the natural radionuclides and geographical distribution of the inventories in Slovenia.

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