Re: Plowing: Radon distribution

["Duane Schmidt" <DWS2@NRC.GOV>]

Bjorn,



Based on my limited knowledge of farming practices, it is difficult for me to accept that a significant fraction of the radon in outdoors air would be due to plowing.  I would think that plowing or similar soil disturbance would only occur a very limited number of times per year and that not all soils in a given area would be disturbed at the same time (though there may be a window of time when many farmers plow), and that the majority of releases would still be due to diffusion of Rn out of the undisturbed soil.  One could certainly do some calculations, but I have not done that. 



I am also interested to hear from anyone who has done or seen estimates of the contribution from farming.



Duane.



Duane Schmidt

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

NMSS/DWM/DCB

dws2@nrc.gov



The above definitely is my own opinion, and not that of the agency.



>>> "Bjorn Cedervall" <bcradsafers@HOTMAIL.COM> 6/26/2001 8:30:56 AM >>>

I have difficulty leaving the radon-agriculture thread. Can anyone shed 

light on the vertical distribution of Rn in the atmosphere? What fraction of 

global dose could possibly be due to agriculture?



With a half-life of 3.8 days for Rn 222 it leaves its noble gas status. What 

is the probable "horisontal fate" and distribution?



In simple words: Can agriculture in say in states like Nebraska & Kansas 

affect (percent level) radon levels in Canada? (northern Saskatchewan in 

particular!)



My personal reflections only,



Bjorn Cedervall   bcradsafers@hotmail.com 



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