The Value of Intercomparison in Radon Metrology

Abstract

Abstract Several intercomparisons of active and passive techniques for the measurement of radon and its decay products have been held over the past decade in Europe, the United States of America, and Australia. The results of these intercomparisons are reviewed. In particular, the trend of results in three European intecomparisons sponsored by the Commission of the European Communities is examined. The number of laboratories participating in these exercises has increased, and an encouraging improvement of standards has taken place. Recently, the separate exercises in different regions have been coordinated by appointed regional laboratories which have compared measurement standards between themselves to provide a common frame of reference. As new laboratories continually enter the field of radon and radon decay product measurement and new or improved measurement techniques are still being developed, intercomparisons are likely to remain important in maintaining and improving standards.