• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 1992

A number of investigators have reported the formation of the radiolytic ultrafine particles produced by the interaction of ionizing radiation with water vapor. Previous studies have suggested that a very high localized concentration of the OH radical produced by the radiolysis of water can react with trace gas like organic vapors and produce lower vapor pressure compounds that can then nucleate. In order to determine water vapor dependence of the active, positively charged, first radon daughter(Po-218), an experiment was conducted using a well-controlled radon chamber. The activity size distribution of the radon daughter in the range of 0.5-100nm was measured using the parallel graded wire screens system. Measurements were taken for different relative humidity. The resultant activity size distributions were analyzed. The addition of water vapor to the radon carrier gases resulted in the formation of ultrafine particles by OH radicals formed by radon radiolysis. It may be due to the neutralization of charged Po-218 ion with water vapor through the radio lysis.