Radon is the most important source of natural radiation to human beings and the second major causative agent of lung cancer other than smoking. In recent years, the hazards of human exposure to thoron (Rn-220), another isotope of radon, and its progeny have gained consensus. To accurately evaluate the dose level and hazards of Rn-220 and its progeny, a standard Rn-220 chamber with strong regulation ability for Rn-220 and its progeny needs to be established for the scale or calibration of measurement instruments. This paper describes the hazards, sources, behavioral characteristics of Rn-220 and its progeny, and some representative Rn-220 chambers established in various countries.
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