Advances in Measurement of Indoor 222Rn and 220Rn Gas Concentrations Using Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors

Abstract

Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs) have been widely used for time integrated radon measurements due to their cost effectiveness, portability and easy-to-use feature. In order to obtain a proper measurement of radon using SSNTDs, it is necessary to select a proper exposure mode. The various modes in which the SSNTDs can be exposed are: (i) bare mode, (ii) single cup mode, and (iii) twin cup mode. This paper addresses the merits and demerits of SSNTDs used in each type of mode of exposure for radon monitoring. The paper analyses the results of the conventional bare mode as well as the latest twin cup mode of SSNTDs. The paper also analyses the performance comparison of single entrance vis a vis double entrance type twin cup dosimeter. Design and features of the newly developed pinhole based single entrance twin cup dosimeter have been discussed. A protocol has been proposed for the selection of houses and deployment of the dosimeter. Some of the important findings from laboratory and field experiments of the new device have been presented.