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UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS Guest
2024-11-23 17:46 |
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2023 Meeting
Section: Biophysics; Medical Physics
Title:
Detection of alpha particles in indoor spaces
Authors:
Ionel ELISEI, Ionel LAZANU, Mihaela PÂRVU
*
Affiliation:
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, Atomistilor Street 405, 077125 Măgurele, Ilfov, Romania
E-mail
ionel.elisei@yahoo.com
Keywords:
Radon, public health safety, alpha particle detection
Abstract:
According to scientific research over the last hundred years, natural radioactivity is represented mainly by alpha particles coming from Radon decay (a progenitor of Uranium, Thorium and Actinium decay chains). Because of the very long half-life of these elements, Radon emission is present permanently in our dayly life.
In 1988 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Radon is one of the carcinogenic substances for humans. In addition, it identifies Radon as a carcinogen in Group 1 and places it at the second place, after smoking, as a cause of lung cancer [1], [2].
During 18.12.2022 – 20-03.2023 we conducted a study regarding the detection of alpha particles emitted by natural sources in indoor spaces. Our purpose was to detect levels of alpha particles using a solid-state nuclear detector (SSND) named CR-39 (Columbia resin).
After an exposure of 90 days, the detectors were etched in a solution of NaOH (6.5 M) at 80 ⁰C for 6 hours. The traces left by the alpha particles that interacted with the plastic track detectors were visualized using an optical microscope and the interaction rates were obtained.
The results showed a significant number of alpha particles detected on the ground floor, proving the emanation of 222Rn from the basement. Additionally, almost a constant number of alpha particles were detected at each level of the building (11 levels for one building and 5 levels for the second one), suggesting that the main contribution of alpha particles is due to the construction materials.
References:
[1] Marcella Capua
Universita della Calabria and Gruppo Collegato INFN di Cosenza, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), 87036, Italy Corresponding author: capua@cs.infn.it - AIP Conference Proceedings 2003, 020002 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5050354
[2] http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/emes/topics/
Mihaela Parvu
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics
POBox MG-11, Magurele-Bucharest
E-mail: mihaela.parvu@unibuc.ro mihaela.parvu@cern.ch
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