γ-spectroscopy investigation of radon daughter deposition on electrostatically charged surfaces

The effect of static electricity on the deposition of radon daughters onto charged surfaces is determined by a combined experimental and theoretical analysis. Experiments with charged surfaces exposed to the air in a normal working environment are analysed to determine an empirical radon daughter deposition rate. This factor is utilized to estimate the daughter deposition on a human head which is exposed to similar conditions of air quality and static charging. The results indicate that typical levels of static electricity can enhance the deposition of radon daughters by orders of magnitude compared with the uncharged condition. The corresponding yearly alpha dose equivalents to the basal skin layer and to the eye exceed recommended limits. Beside having an important impact from the public health perspective, these results suggest that the obscure and contradictory correlations found between radon concentrations and adverse health effects may arise from a failure to account for the effects of static electricity.