Measurement of radon and radon progenies at the German radon reference chamber

The activity concentration of radon in the environment can vary over five o rders of magnitude. Radon and its progenies thus concern all people involve d in radiation protection as well as in low-level experiments. In the Germa n radon reference chamber at the PTB, radon and its progenies are measured with different systems for alpha- and gamma-spectrometry with the full set of environmental parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity and aerosol concent ration being controlled. Control of air pressure is also possible by use of an extention chamber. The sampling and measuring technique for radon and its short-lived progenie s at the German radon reference chamber are the basis for fundamental studi es with regard to the understanding of the equilibrium factor and the unatt ached fraction of progenies. The facility also serves for the calibration o f radon progeny detectors. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.