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http://dx.doi.org/10.15269/JKSOEH.2019.29.2.176

Characteristics of airborne radon and thoron levels monitored in Seoul Subway stations and circulation lines  

Kwak, Hyunseok (Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service)
Kim, So-Yeon (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University)
Park, Jihoon (Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Choi, Sangjun (Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University)
Park, Dong-Uk (Department of Environmental Health, Korea National Open University)
Publication Information
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene / v.29, no.2, 2019 , pp. 176-184 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to characterize airborne radon and thoron levels ($Bq/m^3$) generated from working environments in three subway stations in Seoul. Method: A radon and thoron detector (EQF3220) was used to monitor real-time airborne radon and thoron levels ($Bq/m^3$) and their daughters ($Bq/m^3$) every two hours. They were monitored not only in the driver's cabin of seven circulation lines, but also three offices, platforms, and water pump reservoirs in the three stations. Results: The average levels of radon and thoron were $67.9Bq/m^3$ (range; $7.2-619.4Bq/m^3$) and $44.4Bq/m^3$ (range; $4.3-819.2Bq/m^3$), respectively. Notably, higher than legal airborne radon levels ($600Bq/m^3$) were frequently monitored in the driver's cabin of seven circulation lines. Airborne radon levels monitored in the platforms and administrative offices were found to be over $100Bq/m^3$. The average equilibrium factors (F) were 0.12 and 0.06, respectively. The percentages detected were found to be 84.9 for radon and 72.4 for thoron, respectively. Conclusions: Significant airborne radon and thoron levels were frequently found to be generated in subway facilities including water reservoirs, platforms and driver's cabins. Further study is necessary to thoroughly investigate airborne radon and thoron in all subway stations and to devise proper measures.
Keywords
indoor air; exposure; radon; subway; thoron;
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