Radon-222 concentration measurements in soil using liquid scintillation and Track Etch

To determine the health risks of Rn in residential dwellings, the first step may be a widespread Rn monitoring program. If analysis of soil for Rn exhalation from soil was to be part of a large-scale project, a simple method requiring minimal time would be necessary. The present methods of measuring exhalation from soil are time consuming, or require special equipment. The authors technique of using liquid scintillation counting for analysis of soil would allow one technician to analyze more than 100 samplers per week. Analysis of soil from 12 Maine homes using liquid scintillation counting was compared with in situ measurements of Rn concentration in soil and basement air using etched tracked detectors.