Radon, Thoron and their Progeny: Measurement and Mitigation

Environmental radon measurement and radiation exposure assessment involve detecting and quantifying radon gas levels in indoor and outdoor environments, as well as evaluating potential health risks. Radon is a naturally occurring, ubiquitous radioactive gas from the U-238 decay series. Its primary source is the underlying soil, from which it seeps into enclosed spaces, including residential and occupational environments. Thoron, an isotope of radon, is also of concern in high background radiation areas, particularly in regions with monazite-containing beach sands.The progeny of radon and thoron, due to their particulate nature, contribute most significantly to the inhalation dose. Prolonged exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Therefore, regular radon testing and mitigation are critical public health practices. The activity concentrations of radon, thoron, and their progeny are measured using both active and passive time-integrated techniques.Recently developed DRPS and DTPS (Direct Radon and Thoron Progeny Sensors) have enabled a shift from gas-based measurements to direct progeny measurements, eliminating the need for assumed equilibrium factors. This advancement has led to their widespread application in indoor and occupational environments. The unattached fraction of progeny, which shows preferential deposition in the respiratory tract upon inhalation, can also be measured using wire-mesh techniques in diffusion and flow modes.These data are essential for implementing effective mitigation strategies to reduce activity concentrations and, consequently, inhalation dose. Mitigation techniques include filtration, electrostatic precipitation, ionizers, and related technologies. The measured activity concentrations are used to estimate radiation dose, particularly inhalation dose. Overall, environmental radon and progeny measurements, along with corresponding dose assessments, help protect the public and occupational workers from avoidable radiation exposure.The main objective of this Research Topic is to provide an update on recent advances in environmental radon measurement, direct progeny measurement, theoretical indoor models, and mitigation techniques.This Research Topic will provide a platform to explore various aspects of radon research, including radon and progeny measurement devices; thoron and associated gamma dose rates in high background radiation areas (HBRAs); exhalation and emanation rates from different materials; measurements in underground laboratories and tourist caves; mitigation techniques; and radiation exposure impacts.In light of this, the Topics will focus on three key topics, (but is not limited to):a) Radon, thoron, and progeny measurementb) Exhalation and emanation from various matricesc) Effective mitigation techniques Topic editors: Rosaline Mishra, Chutima Kranrod Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80454/radon-thoron-and-their-progeny-measurement-and-mitigation