Radon in Mines of Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin in Ukraine

Abstract

The first studies of radiation exposure in old mines of Kryvyi Rih Iron Ore Basin (Kryvbas) began relatively recently, about 20 years ago. The results of these studies have shown that the problem of radon is present in the major part of the Basin mines. In 6 of 8 mines tested, an excess of radiation safety standards for the equilibrium equivalent decay products concentration (EEC) of Radon-222 was observed. According to the sum of the main measured parameters of radiation situation, a preliminary assessment of doses to underground workers was made and a classification of the Basin mines according to radiation danger was developed. Results of the recent radiation surveys of these mines are shown in this article. Data on the incidence of lung cancer among the miners are presented and classified into age groups. Measures to improve the radiation situation in the mines of Kryvbas are considered.

A Review of Radon Exposure in Non-uranium Mines—Estimation of Potential Radon Exposure in Canadian Mines

“…RADON ( 222 RN) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas generated by the decay of uranium-bearing minerals in rocks and soils. Exposure to radon and its short-lived progenies in air has long been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking (NAS/NRC 1988, 1999WHO 2009;ICRP 1993ICRP , 2014UNSCEAR 1982UNSCEAR , 2000UNSCEAR , 2020. While exposure to indoor radon is the main source of natural radiation exposure to the population, lung cancer caused by exposure to radon decay products is the most common type of radiation-induced injury among occupationally exposed workers.…”