Variations in gamma radiation and alpha-emitting radionuclides in correlation with weather and location conditions.

This research examines variations in natural radiation, focusing on terrestrial radiation and radon, in relation to weather and location. Understanding fluctuations in gamma and alpha radiation is crucial for distinguishing meteorologically-induced changes from artificial contamination. Measurements were performed hourly and daily at nine stations over the course of one year.

Seasonal variations of terrestrial gamma dose, natural radionuclides and human health.

The aim of the research was to study seasonal variations in gamma radiation and the statistical significance of these variations. Moreover, we compared in-situ and laboratory analyses of uranium, thorium, radium and potassium K-40 contents. Exposure to a low level of radiation is a minor (but still is) contributor to overall cancer risk therefore we compared doses generated by gamma radiation with overall cancer risk.

Ambient gamma dose rate as an indicator of geogenic radon potential.

Radon is the second cause of lung cancer after smoking, therefore is acknowledged as a major indoor air pollutant. Geogenic radon potential indicates regions where for natural reasons elevated indoor radon levels or elevated probability of their occurrence can be expected. The most common procedure for establishing geogenic radon potential includes measurements of soil permeability and soil gas radon concentrations.

Radiation in different types of building, human health.

Radon is a radioactive gas permanently produced in rocks, soils, building materials as an indirect decay product of uranium and thorium. According to EPA, radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking. The aim of survey was to measure radon levels and ambient gamma dose rates in dwellings in various types of buildings situated on various ground and to evaluate health parameters depended on indoor radiation such as lung cancer risk and total annual effective dose rate.

Factors affecting atmospheric radon concentration, human health.

We studied the influence of terrain, geology and weather condition on radon concentration in the atmosphere and occurrence of radon density currents. The survey was carried out in Kowary (SW Poland) and in the spoil tip formed during uranium mining. The measurements of radon concentration were performed using SSNTD LR-115.