GAMMA-SPECTROSCOPY INVESTIGATION OF RADON DAUGHTER DEPOSITION ON ELECTROSTATICALLY CHARGED SURFACES

The effect of static electricity on the deposition of radon daughters onto charged surfaces is determined by a combined experimental and the oretical analysis. Experiments with charged surfaces exposed to the ai r in a normal working environment are analysed to determine an empiric al radon daughter deposition rate. This factor is utilized to estimate the daughter deposition on a human head which is exposed to similar c onditions of air quality and static charging. The results indicate tha t typical levels of static electricity can enhance the deposition of r adon daughters by orders of magnitude compared with the uncharged cond ition. The corresponding yearly alpha dose equivalents to the basal sk in layer and to the eye exceed recommended limits. Beside having an im portant impact from the public health perspective, these results sugge st that the obscure and contradictory correlations found between radon concentrations and adverse health effects may arise from a failure to account for the effects of static electricity.