Evaluation of Atmospheric Radon in the Vicinity of Uranium Mill Tailings

A field study is currently being concluded at Grand Junction and Durango, Colorado, and at Monticello and Salt Lake City, Utah, to evaluate the public health aspects of atmospheric 222Rn in the vicinity of uranium tailings piles. Air is collected continuously for 48 hr periods from each station in order to average out diurnal fluctuations. The integrated sample is then analyzed for 222Rn. A total of 57 stations is in operation. Each station is re-sampled every three weeks for one calendar year to include seasonal fluctuations and to permit a more realistic estimate of the yearly dose to people in the immediate vicinity. This paper presents data and conclusions from the 1 yr study. Of the 13 stations directly over tailings, average radon concentrations ranged from 3.5 pCi/l. to 16 pCi/l. Of the 44 stations not over tailings, only two averaged greater than 1 pCi/l. The results indicate negligible radiation exposure of the surrounding population from this source.