Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 14 OF 75

Main Title Estimated Average Annual Radon-222 Concentrations Around the Former Uranium Mill Site in Shiprock, New Mexico.
Author Hans, Jr., Joseph M. ; Horton, Thomas R. ; Prochaska, Daphne ;
CORP Author Office of Radiation Programs, Las Vegas, NV.
Year Published 1978
Report Number ORP/LV-78/7;
Stock Number PB-291 892
Additional Subjects Air pollution ; Radioactive wastes ; Radon isotopes ; Concentration(Composition) ; Uranium ores ; New Mexico ; Mills ; Radon 222 ; Uranium mills ; Shiprock(New Mexico) ; Path of pollutants
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
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Status
NTIS  PB-291 892 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 42p
Abstract
Uranium mills, as a part of the nuclear fuel cycle, produce large volumes of wastes which contain both the long and short-lived radionuclides from the naturally-occurring uranium decay chain. A relatively short-lived member of the chain, radon-222, is a noble gas and can diffuse from the wastes and be transported from its point of origin by prevailing winds. The airborne radon-222 decays into other short-lived radioactive progeny which may result in human inhalation exposures at considerable distances from the point of origin. Since the parent of radon-222 has a half-life of 1620 years, exposure to radon and its progeny will persist for thousands of years. This study was made to estimate the annual average radon-222 concentrations around the former Shiprock, New Mexico uranium mill site in order to identify areas which may require limited or restricted occupancy and to evaluate the effectiveness of the site decontamination activities in reducing the ambient airborne radon-222 concentrations. Using on- and off-site meteorological data and radon source term estimations, average annual radon-222 isoconcentration lines were determined by computer modeling for the mill site area. The lines were determined for both pre- and post-decontamination periods.