Joseph Collazo
Research Mentor: Jordan Noey
Mentor Department: Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, Engineering
Author(s): Joseph Collazo, Jordan Noey, Kimberlee Kearfott
Session: Session 1 (9:00 AM – 9:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Poster 139
Abstract
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be found everywhere. At high concentrations, it can cause lung cancer. Radon monitoring is widely conducted over many different environments to establish appropriate baseline measurements. Deviations can then be analyzed appropriately. Studies have shown that radon deviations could even be used as an indicator to predict earthquakes in some areas. The Durridge RAD8 is a state-of-the-art radon measuring device that enables accurate measurements of radon levels in different environments. The RAD8 is a portable radon detector designed with air, water, and soil sampling in mind. As this is a recently developed instrument, tests were conducted over various lengths of time to evaluate its capabilities. The effects of factors like humidity, test length, and sample handling can have an impact on results. Administering a long-term radon air test in a controlled, high radon environment is of particular interest because it allows for close examination of the device’s performance. One such test in a radon rich environment produced an average radon concentration of about 38.4 pCi/L. Evaluating different accessories can further expand the utility of the RAD8. For example, the Drystik can be used to greatly lessen or altogether eliminate the need for a desiccant, which significantly increases the convenience of long-term testing. A long term test with the Drystick was established on soil, currently measuring an average of 4.8 pCi/L. Furthermore, the RAD8 H2O kit allows the RAD8 to measure radon in static or moving water environments. On 250 mL of drinking water, an average radon concentration of around 4 pCi/L was measured. The basis of this work will allow the RAD8 to be used for constant long-term environmental monitoring as well as for specific radon characterizations in areas with elevated radon concerns.
