[ RadSafe ] Radon progeny in CNG vehicles gas tanks

[Stroud - CDPHE, Ed]

John,
We haven't seen any contamination in CNG cars, but we did have a case
where a tanker truck carrying propane set off an alarm.

Ed Stroud, Compliance Lead
Radioactive Materials Unit
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

On Wed, Apr 16, 2014 at 3:58 PM, John Hultquist <jhultquist at utah.gov> wrote:
> I could use help in exploring a question with fellow radsafers in knowing
> if bi-fuel or CNG vehicles are triggering radiation alarms because of radon
> and its decay products as a natural contaminant of the natural gas.
>
> I understand that hydrocarbons from the Dakotas and Pennsylvania are being
> produced with radon as a natural contaminant.
>
> I am going to speculate that as vehicles with CNG tanks age, the lead-210
> from any natural gas with radon is going to build up (Pb-210 half-life is
> 22.26 years)in the inside wall of the tank.   Maybe the radiations from
> Pb-210 or Bi-210 will cause radiation detectors across the country to
> alarm.
>
> Any insight to this issue would be appreciated.
>
> John Hultquist,
> Utah Division of Radiation Control
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