Seasonal variations of radon and the radiation exposure levels in Nerja cave, Spain

Abstract: 222Rn concentrations in the air in Nerja cave (Spain) (3° 52′35′′W 36° 43′50′′N) were measured by continuous monitoring using Alpha-Guard, Genitron instrument equipment. The 222Rn measurements were carried out for a complete annual cycle in the different halls: Vestibule hall from July 2003 to June 2004, Ballet hall from July 2004 to June 2005 and Mirador hall from July 2005 to June 2006. Starting from the entrance of the cave we successively find the Vestibule hall, the Ballet hall and the Mirador hall. The range of 222Rn levels were of 8–627 Bq m−3 for the Vestibule hall, 28–575 Bq m−3 for the Ballet hall and 38–578 Bq m−3 for the Mirador. The aim of this study was to detect seasonal variation patterns of 222Rn concentrations. The seasonal variations of 222Rn concentrations are discussed in relation to various meteorological factors measured inside and outside the cave. The radiation exposure levels for workers and tourists with different equilibrium factors have been evaluated. The radiation exposure levels for workers and tourists only represent a low percentage of the exposure guides for the general population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]