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- Title
Radon concentration in coal mining in Corrales - Boyacá.
- Authors
Franco-Becerra, A. C.; Martínez-Ovalle, S. A.; Montañez-Reyes, A. T.; Sajó-Bohus, L.
- Abstract
The concentrations of radon 222Rn can be quantified using active and passive measurements (in situ). This radioactive gas in enclosed spaces such as underground coal mines is a silent threat because inhaling it at high concentrations can induce lung cancer in workers exposed for extended periods. Currently, Colombia lacks protocols for the measurement and prevention of this radioactive gas. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to measure the concentrations of 222Rn to which the workers in the El Volcán coal mine, located in the municipality of Corrales in the Boyacá department of Colombia, are exposed. To achieve this, a radiological mapping was conducted inside the mine using nuclear track detectors placed within diffusion chambers. A total of 32 measurement points were monitored over a 60-day period, obtaining 222Rn activity concentrations ranging from 700 to 2000 Bq-m-3. When compared to the permissible limits recommended by the ICRP, these measurements fall within the allowed range for enclosed spaces. These measurements were extrapolated to calculate the probability of radiological risk associated with lung cancer in this specific mine. In conclusion, the calculations show low concentrations of this radioactive gas, 222Rn, and consequently, low doses absorbed by the personnel.
- Subjects
COLOMBIA; NUCLEAR track detectors; MINES &; mineral resources; RADON; UNDERGROUND areas; LUNG cancer
- Publication
Ciencia en Desarrollo, 2023, Vol 14, p48
- ISSN
0121-7488
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.19053/uptc.01217488.v14.nE.2023.17441