Re: Radon Attenuation by HDPE

["Ralph E. Wild" <rewild@ATTGLOBAL.NET>]

It's been a while but my recollection is that HDPE in the thickness used 

in covers is essentially impermeable to radon.  However, defects such as 

holes and bad seams can provide path to the surface for the radon.



After a little "googling", I found a radon permeability of ? 8 x E-12 

m^2/s and transmission of 18 x 10E-9 m^2/s for a LDPE/HDPE sandwich 

(http://www.nsai.ie/Irish_Agrement_Board/upload/0154.pdf). 

<http://www.nsai.ie/Irish_Agrement_Board/upload/0154.pdf>



There numbers appear to be for an intact membrane.



Ralph E. Wild, Ph.D.



Ralph E. Wild LLC

    Radioactive Waste Management

    Radiological Risk Assessment



Leo M. Lowe wrote:



> Hi,

>

> Does anyone have any information/references on radon transmission 

> through high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or equivalent materials that 

> are often used as synthetic liners/covers at waste sites.

>

> I get RADSAFE in digest mode, so feel free to respond directly to me 

> if you have any relevant information.

>

> Thank you.

>

> Leo M. Lowe, Ph.D., P.Phys.

>

> SENES Consultants Limited

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