Abstract
Internal exposure caused by the inhalation of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer1). Thus, radon concentration measurement is essential to minimize its ef fects on our health. A radioiodine sampler is used to monitor the environment around nuclear facilities today. The activated carbon stored in the sampler’s cartridge can absorb not only radioiodine but also radon. In this study, we evaluated the activated carbon cartridges as passive radon collectors. Four cartridges were exposed to reference atmosphere of radon for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively. Gamma rays from radon progenies trapped in the cartridge were then measured for 30 minutes using a highpurity germanium (HPGe) detector. As a result, the net counting rate of the cartridges exposed during the stable radon concentration showed consistent values, while those exposed during the lower radon concentration showed lower net counting rates. Therefore, fluctuation of the radon concentration influences the changes in the net counting rate. Our future work will aim to clarify how fluctuations in radon concentration affect the radon absorption ability of activated carbon cartridges.
