Mapping radon hazard areas using 238U measurements and geological units: a study in a high background radiation city of China

Abstract

In order to identify radon-prone areas and evaluate radon risk level, a soil gas radon survey combined with gamma-ray spectrometry measurements was carried out in Shenzhen City, south China. Meanwhile, the statistical analysis was applied to evaluate the distribution of measured results. This paper presents the methodology of the radon risk assessment. A radon risk map was accomplished based on a combination of soil gas radon concentration (RC), soil air permeability (Perm.) and uranium (238U) concentration. The results showed that the distribution of soil gas RC and radon-prone areas were closely related to geologic distribution of uranium (238U) and local lithology.