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SOIL AND FILL LABORATORY SUPPORT - 1991
Citation:
Roessler, C., R. Richards, H. Nguyen, D. Smith, AND C. Vonada. SOIL AND FILL LABORATORY SUPPORT - 1991. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-94/064 (NTIS PB94-163243), 1995.
Impact/Purpose:
information
Description:
The report gives results of soil analysis laboratory work by the University of Florida in Support of the Florida Radon Research Program (FRRP). Analyses were performed on soil and fill samples collected during 1991 by the FRRP Research House program and the New House Evaluation Program. Work included textural classification and particle size, moisture, Radium-226, and emanation coefficient determinations. During the period, 124 samples representing 45 sites were submitted. For North Florida sites (Gainsville vicinity), Radium-226 concentrations in all but two sites were < 1 pCi/g. At one site, moderately elevated radioactive fill (3 pCi/g) was found over low activity (<1 pCi/g) surficial substrate. At another site, the near-surface substrate was moderately radioactive (5 pCi/g), but the associated fill sample was of low radioactivity. Central Florida sites (Polk County) were characterized by predominantly moderately elevated (1-10 pCi/g) or elevated (>10 pCi/g) fill over either low activity or moderately elevated substrate. Conclusions from this work include: North Florida observations support earlier conclusions that a large proportion of the fill actually used in Florida construction is of a low radium content, and elevated radium concentrations do occur in some soil and fill samples in actual house construction.