Session 1: Radon and Radiation Physics Review
- Radioactivity and Radiation Review:
- Alpha, Beta and Gamma Radiation
- Ions and Ionizing Radiation
- Radon Characteristics - Uranium 238 Decay Series
- Radon Decay Products - Radon 222 Decay Sequence
- Dynamic Equilibrium
- Equilibrium Ratio
- Measurement Units:
- Picocuries Per Liter and Becquerel Per Cubic Meter
- Working Level and Working Level Month
- Facts of Radon - An Overview
Session 2: Radon and Geology
- Radon Geology:
- Distribution of Uranium and Radon Sources in Rocks and Soils
- Formation and Movement of Radon in Rocks and Soils
- Radon Entry From the Soil and the Water System into Buildings
- Some Examples of Current Radon Research in Rocks and Soils:
- Emanation of Radon-222 from Soils, Sub Soils and Sedimentary Rocks
- Transportation Parameters of Radon: Diffusion, Viscous Flow and Type of Soil, Relationship to Indoor Air Quality
- Characterization of Sources, Range and Environmental Effects of Radon-222 and Its Progeny
- Soil Radon Gas as a Probe to Map Geological Profiles and Tectonic Discontinuities
- Correlation Studies of Soil Radon Gas Variation with Seismic Activity in Earthquake Predictions
- Study Assignments
- Selection of Student Project - Discussion of Presentation and Report
Session 3: Radon and Radiation Biology
- Review of Radiation Biology Basics:
- Introduction
- Radioactivity and Absorbed Dose - Dosimetry
- Effects of Radiation on Cell - Primary Site of Damage
- Target Theory
- Linear No Threshold Theory
- Examples of Some Current Research:
- Current Research on Effects of Low Dose Ionizing Radiation
Session 4: Radon Research in Medicine
- Introduction
- Human Cancer from Ionizing Radiation:
- The Epidemiological Evidence
- Population Studies: External Radiation Exposure and Ionization by Internal Radiation
- Some Examples of Radon Research Studies in Medicine:
- Leukemia:
- Radon Dose and Ionizing Effects to Red Bone Marrow
- Water Solubility of Radon:
- Radon, Fluoride and Multi-element Analysis of Ground Water
- Radon Concentrations in Open and Bore Well Water
- Water Radon Contamination in the Human Body
- Bio-kinetics of Radon from Drinking Water
- Internal Alpha Radiation and Nephropathy:
- Internal Alpha Radiation Effects on Kidney and Dysplastic Changes of Internal Alpha Radiation Injury
- Other Radon Research Studies in Medicine:
- Biomarkers for Kidney Injury by Alpha Radiation
- Exposure of Radon and its Progeny to Human Teeth
- Clinical Effects of Exposure to Radon in Controlled Environment
- Primary Care Physicians - Environmental History - Public Health Effects: An Italian Survey
Session 5: Student Presentation - Radon Research in Radiation Health Physics and Planetary Science; Summary - Lab Demonstration
Introduction
Examples of recent radon research in Health Physics:
Radon Concentrations in Caves
Radon Concentrations in Pyramids
Radon Concentrations in Tunnel Drilling
Radon Concentrations in Landed Buildings and High Rises
Radon Presence on Moon and Mars
Radon Research in Multi Disciplines - Summary
Students Presentation and Report
Laboratory Demonstration