MAPPING RADON-PRONE AREAS USING HOUSE RADON DATA AND GEOLOGICAL BOUNDARIES

摘要

The results of measurements of radon levels in homes can be grouped by grid square and analysed using a lognormal model to provide accurate estimates of the proportion of homes above a reference level, but this technique cannot provide high resolution at reasonable cost. Geological parameters can provide detailed maps of radon potential, but without assistance from measurements in homes, cannot provide accurate estimates of the levels of radon in homes. An alternative mapping technique is to group house radon measurements by geological unit. Analysis of 36 570 results in an area of 58 x 19 km showed that this technique can provide radon potential maps which are more detailed than grid square maps and more accurate in estimating numbers of homes affected than mapping based only on geology. However, lateral variations in geological formations mean that conclusions drawn for one area cannot necessarily be extrapolated to the same geological formations in adjoining areas. The results also showed that it is important to take superficial deposits into account in mapping radon potential.