Using soil gas radon and geology to estimate regional radon potential

Two important parameters have been identified in order to estimate the radon potential of a region. They are the soil gas radon concentration and the geological rock type from which soils are derived. A simple soil gas collection and analytical technique has been developed to provide information on soil gas radon concentrations. The application of these techniques has demonstrated a clear relationship between the estimate of the radon potential and indoor radon measurements. This information is particularly important when evaluating the radon potential of areas that will be subject to population expansion in the future. Other factors, such as gamma radiation measurements and soil permeability can be included to improve the estimate of radon potential, but geology and soil gas measurements are the most important factors. Although this approach is useful for regional estimates, it can also be used for site-specific evaluations.