Systematic grid-wise radon concentration measurements and first radon map in Cyprus

Abstract

A systematic study of the indoor airborne radon concentration in the central part of the Nicosia district was conducted, using high-sensitivity active radon portable detectors of the type "RADIM3A". From a total of 108 measurements in 54 grids of 1 km 2 area each, the overall mean value is 20.6±13.2 Bq m −3 (A.M.±S.D.). That is almost twice less than the corresponding average worldwide value. The radon concentration levels in drinking water were also measured in 24 sites of the residential district, using the high-sensitivity radon detector of the type "RADIM3W". The mean value obtained from these measurements is 243.8±224.8 mBq L −1 , which is relatively low compared to the corresponding internationally accepted level. The associated annual effective dose rates to each measurement were also calculated and compared to the corresponding worldwide values. From the geographical coordinates of the measuring sites and the corresponding radon concentration values, the digital radon map of the central part of the Nicosia district was constructed for the first time, by means of the ArcMap software package.

Qualitative overview of indoor radon surveys in Europe

“…In most cases, the results were depicted in the form of mean radon risk map, which integrates a variety of data available, including geological maps, radon maps, grids or measured points and administrative boundaries. Maps were produced in papers covering the survey in Austria (Friedmann, 2005), Azerbaijan (Hoffmann et al, 2017), Belgium (Cinelli et al, 2011; Poffijn et al, 1994; Tondeur et al, 1997; Zhu et al, 2001), Cyprus (Theodoulou et al, 2012), Denmark (Andersen et al, 2001), Finland (Weltner et al, 2002), Iceland (Jónsson et al, 2015), Italy (Bochicchio et al, 2005), Latvia (Dambis, 1996), Macedonia (Stojanovska et al, 2012), Malta (Baluci et al, 2013), Norway (Jensen et al, 2004), Portugal (Faisca et al, 1992), Romania (Cucoş (Dinu) et al, 2017), Russia (Zhukovsky et al, 2012), Slovenia (Humar et al, 1995; Križman et al, 1996), Spain (Sainz Fernández et al, 2017), Switzerland (Kropat et al, 2014) and UK (Daraktchieva et al, 2015; Miles et al, 2007, 2011).…”

“…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). Outside the EU, national surveys were conducted in Azerbaijan (Hoffmann et al, 2017), Belarus (Yaroshevich et al, 2012), Iceland (Jónsson et al, 2015), Macedonia (Stojanovska et al, 2012), Montenegro (Vukotic et al, 2018), Russia (Yarmoshenko et al, 2015), Serbia (Udovičić et al, 2016), Switzerland (Kropat et al, 2014), Ukraine (Pavlenko et al, 2014) and Norway (Jensen et al, 2004).…”

“…However, there is a large diversity within sampling strategies in existing radon surveys. In many countries, territory was subdivided into administrative units (Denmark (Andersen et al, 2007, 2001), France (Rannou, 1990) and Netherlands (Lembrechts et al, 2001; Stoop et al, 1998)) or grid cells – 10 km × 10 km (Albania (Bode Tushe et al, 2016), Azerbaijan (Hoffmann et al, 2017), Hungary (Nikl, 1996), Ireland (Fennell et al, 2002), Romania (Cucoş (Dinu) et al, 2017) and Spain (Sainz Fernández et al, 2017)), 5 km × 5 km (Malta (Baluci et al, 2013)), 1 km × 1 km (Cyprus (Theodoulou et al, 2012) and United Kingdom (Daraktchieva et al, 2015; Miles et al, 2007, 2011)) or even 0.5 km × 0.5 km (Montenegro (Vukotic et al, 2018)). In case of Poland, country was divided into geological regions (Przylibski et al, 2011).…”

“…Indoor radon surveys in investigated European countries were performed with passive measurement techniques except in one country (Cyprus). Only in Cyprus, the indoor measurements were carried out by using a high sensitivity active portable radon monitors - RADIM3A (Anastasiou et al, 2003; Theodoulou et al, 2012).…”

“…Drought-free areas in the sites were selected to place the radon monitor, such as basements, away from doors and windows, to record the maximum radon concentration. The detectors were always placed at a height of approximately 1 m above the ground (Anastasiou et al, 2003; Theodoulou et al, 2012).…”