Progress in radon surveys and radon risk mapping

Progress in radon surveys and radon risk mapping in Estonia Regional Workshop on Experiences of Corrective and Protective Radon Measures 23 -27 th October 2017, Yerevan, Armenia Mr. Alar Polt – Environmental Board Ms. Maris Arro – Ministry of the Environment

Brief historical overview First studies of Radon 1989 -1991, Radon surveys of 19941998, 1998 -2001 and measurements mainly by the Estonian Geological Survey (Radon in soil gas and measurements of U, Th and K in soil) and indoor Radon measurements by the Estonian Radiation Protection Centre up to 2004 allowed to publish the Radon Map of Estonia that is commonly referred to up to this day. https: //www. envir. ee/sites/default/files/radoonikaart. pdf

Brief historical overview First studies of Radon 1989 -1991, Radon surveys of 19941998, 1998 -2001 and measurements mainly by the Estonian Geological Survey (Radon in soil gas and measurements of U, Th and K in soil) and indoor Radon measurements by the Estonian Radiation Protection Centre up to 2004 allowed to publish the Radon Map of Estonia that is commonly referred to up to this day. https: //www. envir. ee/sites/default/files/radoonikaart. pdf

The first Radon Map of Estonian counties

Measurements and studies done since 2004 • 2005 -2006 study of more than 200 kindergartens on radon prone areas. Problems at least with some rooms in ~49 % of them. 9 % > 400 Bq/m³; average 191 Bq/m³. • 2009 -2010 radon measurements at about 90 workplaces – water treatment facilities, oil -shale mines, SPAs, but also orphanages. Higher radon concentrations in water treatment facilities that use ground water. 600 – 1500 Bq/m³. • 2011 -2012 measurements in all municipal kindergartens of Tallinn. Comparative measurements with Alphaguard at selected kindergartens. • Radon maps for North-East Estonia, capital Tallinn area, indoor Radon Map of Estonian counties.

Measurements and studies done since 2004 • Until now about 3500 buildings measured. • 2016 -2017 a Project to create Estonian Radon Atlas. Still not finalized. Based on all data obtained up to now. Contains not only Radon maps, but also maps of natural radiation. Preview of some maps, not to be published yet:

Thank you for your kind attention!