Short- and long-term variability of radon progeny concentration in dwellings in the Czech Republic

Abstract

In this paper, repeated measurements of radon progeny concentration in dwellings in the Czech Republic are described. Two distinct data sets are available: one based on present measurements in 170 selected dwellings in the Central Bohemian Pluton with a primary measurement carried out in the 1990s and the other based on 1920 annual measurements in 960 single-family houses in the Czech Republic in 1992 and repeatedly in 1993. The analysis of variance model with random effects is applied to data to evaluate the variability of measurements. The calculated variability attributable to repeated measurements is compared with results from other countries. In epidemiological studies, ignoring the variability of measurements may lead to biased estimates of risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer in a Czech cohort exposed to radon in dwellings – 50 years of follow-up

“…These, however, can be rectified in future by extending follow up and completing of smoking and exposure data in the cohort. In addition, uncertainty of exposures, which is currently in the process of evaluation [10], can be evaluated for its effect on risk estimates.…”

Qualitative overview of indoor radon surveys in Europe

“…National surveys were conducted in 22 EU countries: Austria (Friedmann, 2005) Croatia (Radolić et al, 2006), Czech Republic (Hůlka, 2014; Slezáková et al, 2013; Thomas et al, 2004), Denmark (Andersen et al, 2007, 2001), Estonia (Pahapill et al, 2003), Finland (Valmari et al, 2010; Weltner et al, 2002), France (Gambard et al, 2000; Rannou et al, 2006), Greece (Nikolopoulos et al, 2002), Hungary (Hámori et al, 2006; Nikl, 1996), Ireland (Dowdall et al, 2017; Fennell et al, 2002), Italy (Bochicchio et al, 2005; Carelli et al, 2009), Lithuania (Morkunas and Akelbrom, 1999), Luxembourg (Kies et al, 1997), Malta (Baluci et al, 2013), Netherlands (Lembrechts et al, 2001; Stoop et al, 1998), Poland (Przylibski et al, 2011), Portugal (Faisca et al, 1992), Slovakia (Vicanova et al, 1998; Vladár et al, 1996), Slovenia (Humar et al, 1995; Križman et al, 1996), Spain (Sainz Fernández et al, 2017), Sweden (Swedjemark, 2002; Swedjemark et al, 1993), United Kingdom (Daraktchieva et al, 2015; Miles et al, 2007, 2011). Only regional surveys were identified in 5 member states: Belgium (Cinelli et al, 2011; Poffijn et al, 1994; Tondeur et al, 1997; Zhu et al, 2001, 1998), Bulgaria (Ivanova et al, 2013), Cyprus (Anastasiou et al, 2003; Theodoulou et al, 2012), Germany (Kemski et al, 2004, 1996), Latvia (Dambis, 1996), Romania (Cucoş (Dinu) et al, 2017).…”

“…Regional studies were often conducted in the previously identified radon priority areas. In the study conducted by Carelli et al (2009), the goal was to test a novel mapping method, and in the study conducted by Slezáková et al (2013), to evaluate long term variability of radon concentrations.…”

“…From 42 countries which were covered by this survey, passive electrets detectors were used in indoor radon surveys in five countries: Austria (Friedmann, 2005), Hungary (Nikl, 1996), Latvia (Dambis, 1996), Lithuania (Morkunas and Akelbrom, 1999), and Switzerland (Kropat et al, 2014). Different kind of passive track detector systems based on solid state track detectors LR-115 were used in eight countries: Belarus (Yaroshevich et al, 2012), Croatia (Radolić et al, 2006), Czech Republic (Slezáková et al, 2013), France (Gambard et al, 2000; Rannou, 1990; Rannou et al, 2006), Italy (Bochicchio et al, 2005), Malta (Baluci et al, 2013), Portugal (Faisca et al, 1992), and Ukraine (Pavlenko et al, 2014, 1997). In two covered countries, indoor radon concentrations were measured by gamma ray spectrometry (NaI(Tl) or HPGe detectors) of exposed charcoal canisters in Austria (Friedmann, 2005), Belgium (Cinelli et al, 2011; Tondeur et al, 1997; Zhu et al, 2001).…”

“…Correction factor values were mainly took from the literature, but in some countries, like Albania and Austria (Bode Tushe et al, 2016; Friedmann, 2005) the correction factors were obtained by studying the variations in indoor radon concentration observed in summer and winter seasons with respect to the entire year in randomly selected dwellings located in different geographical regions. Different approach was chosen in Czech Republic where the seasonal corrections were calculated on the basis of the data of Moucka including 3000 weekly measurements in 24 objects in the Czech Republic (Slezáková et al, 2013).…”