Radon Inhalation Dose Monitoring

The inhalation of radon, thoron, and their decay products constitutes the largest portion (approximately 55%) of the natural background radiation exposure experienced by humans. To comprehensively assess this radiation exposure, it is imperative to conduct unified national surveys employing dependable monitoring methodologies. Recent advancements in understanding radon release mechanisms, transport dynamics, monitoring techniques, and inhalation dosimetry have significantly enriched the field. Novel approaches such as passive detectors with direct progeny sensing, continuous online radon/thoron gas monitors, radon accumulators for flux tracking, enhanced pin-hole dosimeters, and diverse theoretical models are now poised for widespread implementation. This chapter serves as a valuable resource for researchers delving into environmental radon inquiries, offering insights into the utilization of these cutting-edge techniques. By adhering to these guidelines, the measurement of radon, thoron, and related parameters can be harmonized, ensuring the production of high-quality data across various research endeavors. Encompassing aspects from an introduction to the radon research conundrum to fundamental measurement units, transport processes, analytical models, monitoring methodologies, progeny assessment, passive system calibration protocols, and inhalation dose evaluations, this chapter provides an encompassing technical manual for researchers engaged in radon investigations.