Abstract:
The spatial distribution and seasonal variation of
220Rn concentration (
CTn) and its progeny concentration (
Cp,Tn) in China traditional dwellings constructed with soil were studied. The results show that the spatial distribution of
CTn appears a significant concentration gradient, and decreases exponentially from the distance of source (bare walls or ground), while there is a good linearity and repeatability. The seasonal variation of
CTn displays maximum value in autumn and minimum value in winter. The seasonal variation of
Cp,Tn comparing with
CTn and
Cp,Tn is similar, and its spatial variation can be ignored. Therefore, fixing the distance of
220Rn form source, there is a definite relationship between
CTn and
Cp,Tn.
220Rn equilibrium factors
FTn respectively are 0.003±0.001 and 0.017 ± 0.014 at the distances of 2.5 cm and 20 cm from wall. The
Cp,Tn results of actual measurement in traditional houses are in good agreement with the calculated values by using
FTn. The measurement to
220Rn gas is more easily achieved comparing with
220Rn progenies. The introduction of
FTn provides a simple and reliable method for assessment of
220Rn exposure.