| NUKLEONIKA 2010, 55(4):477-482
RADON RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN BULGARIA - FROM RETROSPECTIVE MEASUREMENTS TO MITIGATIONDobromir S. Pressyanov Laboratory of Dosimetry and Radiation Protection, Faculty of Physics, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, 5 James Bourchier Blvd., Sofia 1164, Bulgaria An overview of ongoing directions of radon studies in the Faculty of Physics, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia is presented. The focus is on: 1) Study and implementation of the polycarbonate method for measuring 222Rn. In this respect the results from laboratory and field experience with this method are summarized. Its potential for precise retrospective measurements by home stored CDs/DVDs is emphasized. 2) Surveys in radon risk areas in the country. The approaches and results in this direction are illustrated on the example of the town of Rakovski. In this town lung cancer risk is twice increased for both sexes. Significantly high 222Rn concentrations were observed in most of the houses and this can be the major factor contributing to the risk. 3) Mitigation of dwellings with high radon content. Mitigation works were recently initiated and our experience with passive radon barriers and active sub-slab depressurization systems is shared. Summarizing the results in all the three directions we conclude that there is a basis to enhance radon research and practice in the country. To be more efficient, these activities need collaboration with medical authorities, civil engineers and, especially in research, with international teams working in the field. Close X |