About This Project

I'm looking to study radon concentrations Australia wide to compare to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency radon study conducted in 1990 (based on gamma radiation), while running education programs in schools. We will buy 8-10 radon monitors that can be given to schools and connected to a network, and eventually deploy 100+ monitors. The data would allow radon concentrations to be estimated over different parts of Australia to compare to gamma data.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

There is a significant knowledge gap in Radon data in Australia. The current radon map is based on gamma data taken in 1990, with a loose correlation to uranium concentrations and therefore radon emanation. It is not updated in real time. The public knowledge of radiation is lacking in Australia, and the more data the public can have access to in order to understand dose pathways the better. Establishing a strong baseline for radon concentrations across Australia will allow any changes to be tracked due to things like the proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, and shifting government sentiment on uranium mining and exploration (WA recently overturning their Uranium Mining ban, NSW overturning their uranium exploration ban).

What is the significance of this project?

This data will help give not only background radon concentrations for any mine sites looking to conduct baseline surveys, but provide data that can be used for health studies, compared to other countries, tracked over long periods of time to see if there are climate change impacts, and allow access to real time monitoring (rather than based on data collected decades ago). By establishing radon concentration data in Australia, background radiation doses to radiation workers and members of the public can be estimated more accurately, allowing any research into low dose radiation to start from a comprehensive knowledge of baseline radiation doses. By introducing this program to schools, it will also allow us to introduce aspects of radiation safety/knowledge to the younger generation.

What are the goals of the project?

With 8-10 radon meters we can start to set up radon meters in South
Australia around the city of Adelaide. We will compare the data from this
region to the data from 27 years ago, when the gamma data (to derive estimated radon concentrations) was taken. By collecting this pilot data we can prove the value of these radon metrics, and apply for funding from the
Australian government to develop a program for citizens and students to
gather radon data to establish a country wide map in real-time,
presenting a publicly available map.