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Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare

Technology Transfer

ENVIRONMENTAL RADON MEASUREMENTS

Radon | Radioactivity | Ionization Chamber | Gaseous Detector | Safety
INTRODUCTION
Technology based on a ionization chamber used to keep under control radiation levels due to Radon-222 exposure in indoor environments. Fast time response, compactness and the use of inexpensive components are only few of features that make this device of high interest for the creation of a widespread network to monitor Rn-222 levels on the territory.



TECHNICAL FEATURES
Long and repeated exposure to high radiation levels leads to an increase of developing lung cancer risk, due to irradiation of lung tissue by the α particles emitted by Radon-222 and its decay products. The strict regulations in matter of population and workers security require to monitor Rn-222 levels in indoor environments. To this end an ionization chamber has been developed, operating in air and at atmospheric pressure. The device has been designed to measure online Rn-222 concentration’s level. Characterization tests, carried out using calibrated sources, evince a quick time response, useful to evalute not only the mean value over a long period, but also to reveal sudden changes in Rn-222 concentration.

POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS
  • Monitor of Radon-222 levels in indoor environments;
  • Ongoing studies are evaluating the possibility to apply this detector to geophysical investigations.
ADVANTAGES
  • Real-time measurements;
  • Compactness and strenght of the system;
  • Inexpensive components;
  • Extensive autonomy of operation;
  • Easy to install and use.

KNOW-HOW INFORMATION


OWNER
INFN

COMMERCIAL RIGHTS
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AVAILABILITY
Available


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