Radon exhalation rate in building materials using plastic track detectors

The radon flux emitted from building material samples and from the surface of building materials could be determined using a simple and reliable method. This method was based on the use of cellulose nitrate films (LR-115 II). The samples and the detectors were placed in a closed can of known dimensions. Tracks due to alpha-particles of radon that migrate from the building material into the air space in the chamber were registered on the LR-115 film. The detectors were chemically etched in 2.5N NaOH solution at 60+/-1 degrees C for 115 minutes. Exhalation rates of various building material samples and of building surfaces of various building components were determined. The results obtained by this technique could be used to establish a database for average radon exhalation rates for all available building materials and walls or floors.