Radiation Exposure and Dose to Small Mammals in Radon-Rich Soils

摘要

Protection of non-human species from radionuclide releases requires knowledge ofthe normal background levels of radiation exposure in the exposed biotic community and an estimate of the detriment with the increased exposure. This study modelled the exposure and dose to the lungs of small burrowing mammals from radon 222 in artifical burrows in radon-rich soils at a site in southeastern Manitoba. Radon-222 was measured in soil gas using R-PERM ionizing cambers. Radon levels in artifical burrows were monitored for one year to determine the influence of physical and environmental factors. An exposure model was constructed for small mammals based on their respiration rates and the number of hours spent in the burrow, either active or hibernating, and the time spent out of the burrow.