Intercomparison of measurement techniques used in radon exposure facilities for animals in Europe

The biological effects of exposure to radon and its progeny are being studies in animals by three laboratories in Europe. The facilities used for such exposures are described, together with the methods used to estimate radon progeny concentrations and the activity deposited in the lungs of exposed animals. As the facilities and methods vary, a series of comparison exercises has been carried out at the three facilities; CEA/COGEMA, Razes, France, TNO, Rijswijk, The Netherlands and AEA Technology, Harwell, U.K. The results of the exercise are presented together with reasons for the discrepancies in results between the groups thus ensuring that estimates of exposure provided by the groups for their studies is directly comparable.