Radon concentrations in abandoned mines, Cumbria, UK: safety implications for industrial archaeologists

Gillmore, Gavin; Gharib, Hossein Alizadeh; Denman, Anthony R; Phillips, Paul S; Bridge, D M

doi:10.5194/nhess-11-1311-2011

Cited by 10 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 8 publications

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“…In many mines (Gillmore, Phillips, Denman, Sperrin, & Pearce, 2001), some caves (Sánchez, de la Torre Pérez, Sánchez, & Correa, 2013) and now in the Chernobyl object shelter (Ogorodnikov et al, 2009) (known commonly as the sarcophagus) high concentrations of radon and its radioactive daughters can be found. Gavin Gillmore at Kingston-upon Thames has suggested that industrial archaeologists should take care to avoid excessive radon exposure while working underground in places such as disused mines (Gillmore, Gharib, Denman, Phillips, & Bridge, 2011). While it should be clear that 222 Rn is formed by the alpha decay of 226 Ra present in the minerals in caves and mines, the 220 Rn (Thoron) at the Chernobyl site is due to the decay of the 224 Ra formed from the radioactive decay of 232 U.…”

Section: Charcoalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reactor accident chemistry an update

Foreman

2018

Cogent Chemistry

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A review and discussion of some of the literature on the subject of serious nuclear reactor accidents. This review addresses some biological issues such as the influence of dose rate on the ability of radiation to cause harm, the chemistry of a selection of serious accidents and the behaviour of a series of important fission products and the actinides. This review is intended for scientists with a professional interest in nuclear reactors, chemists in general and I expect that it will be of use to historians with an interest in the nuclear industry and its relationship with wider society.

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Section: Charcoalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reactor accident chemistry an update

Foreman

2018

Cogent Chemistry

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Radon levels in Romanian caves: an occupational exposure survey

Dinu

Călugăr

Burghele

et al. 2016

Environ Geochem Health

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A comprehensive radon survey has been carried out in seven caves located in the western half of Romania's most significant karst regions. Touristic and non-touristic caves were investigated with the aim to provide a reliable distribution of their radon levels and evaluate the occupational exposure and associated effective doses. Radon gas concentrations were measured with long-term diffusion-type detectors during two consecutive seasons (warm and cold). All investigated caves exceed the European Union reference level of radon gas at workplaces (300 Bq/m). The radon concentration in these caves ranges between 53 and 2866 Bq/m, reflecting particular cave topography, season-related cave ventilation, and complex tectonic and geological settings surrounding each location. Relatively homogeneous high radon levels occur in all investigated touristic caves and in Tăuşoare and Vântului along their main galleries. Except for Muierii, in all the other caves radon levels are higher during the warm season, compared to the cold one. This suggests that natural cave ventilation largely controls the underground accumulation of radon. The results reported here reveal that the occupational exposure in Urşilor, Vadu Crişului, Tăuşoare, Vântului, and Muierii caves needs to be carefully monitored. The effective doses to workers vary between an average of 0.25 and 4.39 mSv/year depending on the measuring season. The highest values were recorded in show caves, ranging from 1.15 to 6.15 mSv/year, well above the European recommended limit, thus posing a potential health hazard upon cave guides, cavers, and scientists.

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The assessment of lining structure impact on radon behaviour inside selected underground workings under the cour d’honneur of Książ castle

Fijałkowska-Lichwa¹

2020

J Radioanal Nucl Chem

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The results based on 2-year long measurements 01 Jan. 2016–2031 Dec. 2017 have been used for discussing the influence of tunnel lining on the size of 222Rn activity concentration and the impact of the employed rock mass insulation on natural convective air exchange. In April, air movement started when the temperature was at least 7 °C lower than the mean inside. Between May and October, an increase to 9 °C above the underground temperature resulted in an increase of radon concentration. An unconstrained convection process did not start until November and it continued until the end of March. The reinforced concrete lining insulated the fractured and absorptive rock mass. The roof and the sidewall lining had little impact on air movement process.

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Radon concentrations in abandoned mines, Cumbria, UK: safety implications for industrial archaeologists

Abstract: Abstract. This paper presents a number of surveys performed in a geographical area of the

Cited by 10 publications

References 8 publications

Reactor accident chemistry an update

Reactor accident chemistry an update

Radon levels in Romanian caves: an occupational exposure survey

The assessment of lining structure impact on radon behaviour inside selected underground workings under the cour d’honneur of Książ castle

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