Distribution of Radon Concentrations in Active and Inactive Underground Mines: A Literature Review

Abstract

Radon (Rn), a natural colorless, odorless, noble radioactive gas, with a half-life of 3.8 days, is an important source of natural ionizing radiation. It originates from the initial concentrations of uranium and its transmuted daughters in rocks, soil, and finally, waters and tends to be concentrated in closed spaces such as underground mines. The concentration of radon in mines contributes significantly to the increase in the dose of ionizing radiation received by humans visiting, accessing, working in these areas. The comparison of radon concentration in active and inactive mining sites, its effect on human health, and the different concentrations’ upper limits, applicable by state, are discussed in this paper.