Title of article :
Radon Hazards, Geology, and Exposure of Cave Users: A Case Study and Some Theoretical Perspectives
Author/Authors :
Gavin K. Gillmore، نويسنده , , Malcom Sperrin، نويسنده , , Paul Phillips، نويسنده , , Antony Denman، نويسنده ,
Issue Information :
روزنامه با شماره پیاپی سال 2000
Pages :
10
From page :
279
To page :
288
Abstract :
The concerns over the risks to human health from radon in underground caves are poorly documented, unlike in workplace or domestic environments where exposures are relatively well known. In U.K. caves, radon has been identified as occurring at elevated levels; but with the exception of major show caves, its impact and risk to the many groups who use the caves have thus far received inadequate attention. This paper presents a survey performed in a relatively “low-risk” geographical area of the United Kingdom and quantifies the risk of exposure in this cave environment. Radon levels up to 12,552 Bq m−3 were measured: Such concentrations are very high but are likely to underestimate the levels in many other parts of the cave system, for reasons associated with cave architecture and meteorology. This study confirms previous workersʹ conclusions that long-term users of deep caves, as opposed to rock shelters, are at risk. Annual doses to certain groups of cave users have been calculated to be as high as 120 mSv, a very high value. The study also demonstrates that there is variation both within and between caves as a result of subtleties of the bedrock geology, fault patterns, and weathering. This paper sets out a theoretical model.
Keywords :
RADON , geology , Caves , carboniferous limestone , Mendip Hills , Swildon:s Hole.
Journal title :
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Serial Year :
2000
Journal title :
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Record number :
710293
Link To Document :
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