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Article
Radon Levels in Romanian Caves: An Occupational Exposure Survey
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
  • Alexandra Cucoş Dinu, Babes-Bolyai University
  • Monica I. Călugăr, Babes-Bolyai University
  • Bety D. Burghele, Babes-Bolyai University
  • Oana Alexandra Dumitru, University South Florida
  • Constantin Cosma, Babes-Bolyai University
  • Bogdan P Onac, University of South Florida
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2017
Keywords
  • Radon levels,
  • CR-39 detectors,
  • Cave,
  • Annual dose,
  • Health hazard,
  • Romania
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-016-9878-1
Disciplines
Abstract

A comprehensive radon survey has been carried out in seven caves located in the western half of Romania’s most significant karst regions. Touristic and non-touristic caves were investigated with the aim to provide a reliable distribution of their radon levels and evaluate the occupational exposure and associated effective doses. Radon gas concentrations were measured with long-term diffusion-type detectors during two consecutive seasons (warm and cold). All investigated caves exceed the European Union reference level of radon gas at workplaces (300 Bq/m3). The radon concentration in these caves ranges between 53 and 2866 Bq/m3, reflecting particular cave topography, season-related cave ventilation, and complex tectonic and geological settings surrounding each location. Relatively homogeneous high radon levels occur in all investigated touristic caves and in Tăuşoare and Vântului along their main galleries. Except for Muierii, in all the other caves radon levels are higher during the warm season, compared to the cold one. This suggests that natural cave ventilation largely controls the underground accumulation of radon. The results reported here reveal that the occupational exposure in Urşilor, Vadu Crişului, Tăuşoare, Vântului, and Muierii caves needs to be carefully monitored. The effective doses to workers vary between an average of 0.25 and 4.39 mSv/year depending on the measuring season. The highest values were recorded in show caves, ranging from 1.15 to 6.15 mSv/year, well above the European recommended limit, thus posing a potential health hazard upon cave guides, cavers, and scientists.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Environmental Geochemistry and Health, v. 39, issue 5, p. 1085-1099

Citation Information
Alexandra Cucoş Dinu, Monica I. Călugăr, Bety D. Burghele, Oana Alexandra Dumitru, et al.. "Radon Levels in Romanian Caves: An Occupational Exposure Survey" Environmental Geochemistry and Health Vol. 39 Iss. 5 (2017) p. 1085 - 1099
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bogdan-onac/160/